A Lewisham pickpocket who preyed on elderly bus passengers has been jailed.

Hristova Marinova, 27, of Clifton Rise, was jailed for 12 months after admitting seven counts of theft at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday.

A further six counts of theft person were taken into consideration by the court.

Many of the victims were elderly and vulnerable passengers on London's bus network, travelling through Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Hammersmith, Haringey, Kilburn, Kingston, Sutton and Wandsworth.

Marinova was identified after she was recognised from on-bus CCTV footage.

She was arrested on February 14 at Luton Airport as she tried to re-enter the UK.

The judge recommended she be deported when released from custody.

Co-defendant, Marieta Petrova, 30, of no fixed abode appeared at Kingston Crown Court on the March 21.

She was convicted of 10 offences, having a further six taken into consideration and was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment.

Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor said: "This was an excellent result which has seen two prolific pickpockets receive significant terms in jail.

"The Safer Transport Command with its partners Transport for London has a primary aim to safeguard the travelling public from criminals and to keep them safe whilst using London's bus system.

"If you commit an offence, you will be caught and if convicted every avenue of punishment will be considered - so the message is clear: Crime on London's bus system will NOT be tolerated - we will bring those who are responsible to justice."