A MAN found guilty of robbing elderly people in Bolton has died in prison.

John Winchcole’s death was reported in the early hours of Monday morning at HMP Forest Bank.

Winchcole admitted the two counts of aggravated burglary and also pleaded guilty to robberies in Old Trafford, Salford and Prestwich, and to further charges of making off without payment and dangerous driving in April 2007.

Winchcole, previously of Portland Road, Trafford, was handed a prison sentence at Bolton Crown Court after he stabbed an elderly woman in the arm at her home in Bishop’s Road, Great Lever, in November 2007.

He forced his way into the house, demanded cash, and took the contents of her handbag.

He then let himself into the home of an 80-year-old man in Bloefield Court, before the pensioner caught Winchcole searching his bedroom.

Bolton coroner has been informed of the death and an inquest into the death is due to be opened soon.