A DRUG addict conned thousands of pounds out of vulnerable pensioners by telling them she could not afford food while using the money to fund her habit.

Laura Crowhurst, 29, targeted five victims who in total handed out £4,050 because they felt sorry for her, Southampton Crown Court was told.

All of her victims were pensioners, one aged 88, another was a war veteran who was injured by a landmine in the Second World War, and another who had the early signs of dementia.

The court heard how she targeted some of her victims by effectively ‘cold calling’ them by knocking on doors at sheltered housing complexes in the New Milton area where she lived.

Prosecutor Tim Moores explained how she ended up befriending one victim who subsequently took her shopping and paid for the goods as well as handing over cash.

He said: “They all feel sad, betrayed and less trusting of people.”

In mitigation for Crowhurst, who pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud, Rachel Shearing said the crimes that spanned from January to October 2011, and were motivated out of sheer desperation.

She explained that Crowhurst had been in two violent relationships, the latter introducing her to drugs.

Crownhurst was sentenced to two and half years in prison.