A man who attacked and robbed a 63 year old bingo player in order to steal her winnings has been jailed for more than two years for the cowardly attack. Barry Clancy, 28, attacked Margaret Craig from behind in order to steal her handbag and £300 in cash.

The cowardly attack took place in Portal Crescent, Aberdeen, in June 2010. Margaret, who was making her way home, had had a great night at bingo winning £140 and had a further £160 in her purse. She was attacked from behind, pushed to the floor and kicked in the head and body during the horrific incident which has shocked locals.

Clancy, of Marquis Road, appeared at the city's sheriff court where he admitted the crimes and was jailed for 28 months. Sheriff Annella Cowan ordered a six-month supervised release order after Clancy's release.

At the time of the offence Grampian Police described the attack as "terrible" and carried out a large police investigation.

During sentencing the Judge reportedly referred to Clancy as a menace to society and there fore there was no other choice but to impose a custodial sentence. He added that while it was no comfort to Mrs Craig, it would hopefully act as a deterrent.

Bingo clubs throughout the UK have been reminding players to take care when walking home especially later in the evenings. With the economy in a mess and unemployment high, vulnerable members of the public are likely to be targets for cowardly criminals looking to make a fast buck.