A DRUNKEN woman who targeted elderly people's homes has been jailed for 18 months at Bolton Crown Court.

When caught red handed carrying bags and wearing a victim's jewellery Gemma Glynn grabbed hold of a householder's hair and dragged her around the room.

Lindsay Thomas, prosecuting, told how 37-year-old Glynn and another woman began their crime spree in the early afternoon of April 17.

A 70-year-old woman was cooking at her home in Purcell Close, Bolton, and left the back door open to let out smoke.

When she walked into her living room she found two drunken women there holding her handbag and claiming they were returning it after finding it in the street.

After talking to them for 20 minutes the victim realised there was nothing in the handbag which could identify her and called the police. A mobile phone and £6 was missing from the bag as well as a tablet and cash card.

A short time later Glynn and her accomplice were seen on CCTV unsuccessfully trying to use the card at a cashpoint.

Mrs Thomas added that later in the afternoon the women attempted to take lager from a mini market and became abusive when confronted by the shopkeeper.

Then the pair turned their attention to a house in Halliwell Road when an elderly infirm couple, aged 81 and 86 lived with their daughter.

Just after 5.30pm Irene Riley left the property leaving the door unlocked as she was expecting carers to visit to attend to her parents.

When she returned 10 minutes later the carers were there, but then she spotted a strange woman's reflection in the hallway mirror.

She confronted the woman who said she was looking for Gemma and then left.

Seconds later Glynn appeared on the stairs wearing some of Mis Riley's jewellery and carrying a bag, suitcase and laptop bag.

When Miss Riley tried to grab her bag back Glynn pulled it and then snatched her victim by the hair, dragging her around the room.

Her finger was cut in the struggle, during which Glynn told her "I'll knife you in a minute."

In the end the carers helped to restrain Glynn and she was arrested.

Glynn, of Bride Street, Bolton, pleaded guilty to two burglaries and an public order offence. Her co-accused is due to stand trial next year.

Mark Friend, defending, said Glynn had a troubled background but had stayed away from crime for five years until the recent death of a close friend.

Sentencing her to 18 months in prison, Judge Timothy Clayson told Glynn: "I am satisfied you are full of remorse for this afternoon of drunken offending."