'Violent' robber who targeted two women jailed

Craig Cotton admitted two counts of robbery at a previous hearing at Preston Crown Court

A "career criminal" has been jailed for robbing two women.

Craig Cotton stole a handbag from the first woman in December after threatening her with a knife. The second woman was sprayed in the face with an aerosol can in January before her bag was stolen, Lancashire Police said.

Cotton admitted burglary, robbery and assault at a previous hearing at Preston Crown Court.

The 40-year-old, of Rolleston Road, Blackburn, was jailed for 10 years.

'So scared'

Cotton committed the first offence on 23 December when his victim went outside her flat for a cigarette at about 18:00 GMT, police said.

She noticed a man and woman walk past her before the man, later identified as Cotton, turned back and asked her for a lighter.

Cotton lit his cigarette, pulled out a knife and demanded her handbag before waving a knife at her and pulling at the bag.

The victim was "so scared" she was going to be hurt, she let go of the bag, police said.

Cotton approached the second victim in the Bank Top area of Blackburn at about 19:20 on 13 January and sprayed her in the face with an aerosol can.

Police said there was then "a struggle" and Cotton stole the women's handbag.

He was identified from CCTV and charged with robbery.

PC Karl Duckworth said: "Cotton is a career criminal who has no qualms about using violence and weapons to get what he wants.

"I welcome the sentence which gives the public some protection from Cotton's criminal behaviour."