A Gravesend thug that robbed an 88-year-old woman in her own home has been jailed for nearly seven years.

Balbinder Hayer, 27, of Augustine Road, pleaded guilty to robbery at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.

Hayer forced his way into the pensioner’s home in Mead Road, Gravesend on January 26, pushing her over, which left her with a bruised cheek bone and eye socket.

He then stole £600 cash from her purse.

The court heard that Hayer knocked the woman over after forcing his way into the property and began shouting: ‘Where’s your money?’

The victim replied that she didn’t have any, but Hayer pushed her with both hands, causing her to fall and hit her face on a cabinet.

Hayer began looking around as he entered the front room.

The woman managed to press her personal alarm and told the lifeline operator that she was being burgled.

"hayer has committed a contemptible crime and it’s good news that he is now off the streets for a considerable length of time, where he cannot continue preying on the vulnerable" – det con martin younger

The offender then took her purse and left the house, running down an alleyway.

The victim was only able to get up when her son arrived to help her 15 minutes later, and police were called.

CCTV footage showed Hayer going to the property and then minutes later running away down an alleyway holding something under his jacket.

He was recognised by an officer and was arrested on January 28.

Detectives also managed to find a witness who helped pick Hayer out of an identity procedure.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Martin Younger, said: ‘Despite her physical frailty, the victim showed great courage trying to defend herself from her attacker.

"The circumstances of this offence are quite appalling.

"Hayer has committed a contemptible crime and it’s good news that he is now off the streets for a considerable length of time, where he cannot continue preying on the vulnerable."