A woman who stole a wallet and mobile phone from an elderly cancer sufferer after tricking him into letting her use his toilet has been jailed.

Isha Walker, 32, of College Road, Bromley, was jailed for four years after being found guilty of burglary at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday (March 4).

The court heard how Walker knocked on the victim's front door in New Cross asking him if she could use the toilet on August 5 2013.

After being let into the victim's house, Walker stole his mobile phone and his wallet containing cards and cash.

Lewisham Serious Acquisitive Crime Unit's investigating officer, Detective Constable Louise Mayhook said: "Walker preyed on a vulnerable man who, in an act of kindness, had allowed her to use his bathroom upon her request.

"The victim suffers from limited mobility and also has cancer which makes what Walker did that much worse."

After Walker had been to the toilet she tried to engage the victim in conversation and wrote down her details including her phone number, stating that the victim should call her if he ever needed some help.

DC Mayhook added: "Walker used this as an opportunity to steal his personal items and, not content with that, thought she could try and befriend the victim with the sole purpose of trying to commit further offences."

Following enquiries, police traced Walker to her home address and she was arrested on October 6 2013. The stolen mobile was found in her room.

Walker was charged with burglary on October 7 2013 despite denying the offence, claiming she was a friend of the victim.

DC Mayhook said: "After Walker was charged she failed to appear at court for over a year before she was caught and was rearrested on December 16 last year and remanded in custody.

"I am pleased that the judge has seen fit to hand down such a lengthy sentence which reflects the crime she has committed."