A DISABLED pensioner said his confidence in Boscombe's safety had been "shattered" after he was intimidated by thieves.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard that Keith Jones, 72, was unloading shopping from his car at his home in Christchurch Road on August 18 last year when a man approached him and asked for change.

But when the car alarm sounded, Mr Jones, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, turned and saw a second man, Steven Vincent, 49, taking a bag containing everyday items including his medication from the front seat.

In a victim statement read by prosecutor Simon Edwards, Mr Jones said: "I do not feel I could protect myself in a physical situation, I would be unable to breathe.

"It was only the adrenaline at having someone steal from me that allowed me to walk after them."

Mr Edwards said the victim followed the thieves and grabbed the bag, refusing to let go. However, Vincent then said to him "Why don't you p*** off?", and Mr Jones felt intimidated and left, heading straight to a phone to call police. Vincent, of Francis Road, Boscombe, was arrested shortly afterwards.

In his statement, Mr Jones, who volunteers with drug and alcohol support services, said: "It left me feeling unsafe in my own home. I was aware Boscombe had a bad reputation.

"I felt the area had been made better by what the police had put into it. This incident has shattered that belief."

Vincent admitted one count of theft and breaching a suspended sentence imposed for two non-domestic burglaries.

In mitigation, Robert Grey said his client was homeless at the time and using drugs, and urged that sentencing be deferred so Vincent could demonstrate an ability to stick with drug support services.

"From 2008 to 2012 there is a considerable gap in his record, four years, which demonstrates that he can stay out of trouble," he said.

"He is not getting any younger, and it is clear from looking at his antecedents that he is slowing down."

Sentencing Vincent to 20 weeks imprisonment, Judge Brian Forster QC said: "Anyone who offends in this way must understand that the court will take a serious view."