A PENSIONER'S life has been destroyed by a professional thief who stole her meagre £400 life savings in an 'orchestrated' attack inside a fast-food restaurant.

Norma Foreman had only just started going out alone after years of battling mental illness but a court heard the cruel theft committed by Anna Boguslawska had left her self-confidence and confidence "shot to pieces".

Yesterday the 71-year-old, from Eston, welcomed the 16-month jail sentence imposed on single mother Boguslawska but said since the attack she had fallen back into depression, had lost three stone in weight and constantly worries how she will pay her bills.

"I don't even open the curtains in my living room," she said. "I haven't been out since this happened except to the physio and to the court."

Teesside Crown Court earlier heard how Boguslawska struck in MacDonald's on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, after constantly moving seats and confusing the pensioner.

Other women with her created more confusion before she shuffled next to Mrs Foreman and stole her purse with £400 inside.

Judge Peter Bowers described it as "despicable and targeted".

He told Boguslawska: "I have seen the CCTV and I am satisfied this was an organised and orchestrated attack.

"Your movements were to distract and confuse this lady . . . this is professional purse stealing."

The court heard that Boguslawska, of Dorman Gardens, Middlesbrough, was spared jail two months earlier for being part of a shoplifting gang.

Her barrister, Nigel Soppitt, said sending the single mother-of-one to prison would impact on her young son and her mental health.

He told the court: "There is a victim in this case who has been severely affected by this woman's behaviour. Sadly, at the time, she didn't think of that and the possible repercussions."

Boguslawska admitted theft and was jailed for 16 months.

Judge Bowers told her: "The amount you took was largely irrelevant. The fact is, you took nearly all she had. But the worst is the psychological effect upon her.

"Although you didn't know this, she had struggled successfully to be able to go out independently for many years, and having reached a degree of independence, has now been devastated and lost all confidence as a result of being preyed upon by you and your family.

"Although you did not know that at the time, you did not care, and you gave not a moment's thought to the effect your crime might have upon this lady."