A COMMUNITY leader has welcomed the jailing of an addict who rampaged through his neighbourhood in a desperate attempt to get money for drugs.

Clifton councillor Ken King paid tribute to York Police for bringing Simon Watts to justice so swiftly after he attacked two elderly women and attempted to grab cash from stores.

He said the 27-year-old's vicious actions were a "one off" on relatively safe streets.

"I hope that people who are involved in drugs take note of what has happened to this man. The vast majority of people respect senior citizens and I'm just delighted that this person got what was coming to him," he added.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Press, York Crown Court heard how Watts, of Sirocco Court, Fossway, left Jean Simpson, 73, for dead in an alleyway and attacked Diana Benton, 60, as she pushed her grandchild in a pushchair.

He was sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting theft, attempted theft, two charges of attempted robbery and robbery and wounding with intent. The offences took place in less than 70 minutes.

The Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Hoffman, said of the two street attacks: "What you did to these elderly women was quite appalling, in particular to the victim of counts five and six (Mrs Simpson), was sickening."

Ayshea Megyery, prosecuting, said Watts waited in an alleyway between Crombie Avenue and Kingsway North for vulnerable victims.

For Watts, barrister Eric Elliott said his client had committed the offences while under a drug habit which he had kicked while in jail.

Updated: 11:17 Tuesday, June 29, 2004