Two former heroin junkies who preyed on elderly victims to feed their habit have been put on probation.

Antiques, jewellery and valuables worth more than £3,000 went missing from the homes of two frail women.

Magistrates at Witney told Lorraine Middleton, 32, of Maplewell, Stonesfield, and her boyfriend Nigel Clover, 28, of Combe Road, Stonesfield, they had considered sending them to prison.

But after reading reports they put both on probation for three years, ordered them to do 100 hours community service and pay £486 in compensation.

Chairman of the bench Ben Webster told them: "The offences are very serious, against very vulnerable victims, undertaken when you were in a position of trust. But we take into account your early guilty pleas and previous good character." Middleton admitted two cases of theft and Clover two cases of receiving. Both pleaded guilty to four joint charges of obtaining money by deception.

David Robinson, prosecuting, said Middleton started stealing from the two women, 86-year-old Alice Koenig and 82-year-old Jean Green, who employed her as a part-time helper and cleaner.

She and Clover sold items to Woodstock antique shops and a pawnbroker's in Oxford, netting just £486.

Kate Macnab, defending, said the offences were purely a result of their drug habit.

"Lorraine Middleton, who was previously very anti-drugs, became quickly addicted to heroin.

"Mr Clover sold his car, his motorbike, even an old Toby jug someone gave him," she said.

"We are dealing with two people who were in the throes of drug dependency. Both are now off the drug and receiving treatment."

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