Two thugs, who attacked an elderly man, have been jailed by a judge who said the public should be protected from them.

David Glenn and Lee Whitcher, both of no fixed address, attacked the 77-year-old as he walked along a path near The Weirs, Winchester, last February.

The city's crown court heard how, shortly before 10pm, the pair ran up behind him, grabbed him by the throat and forced him to the ground.

One of them held him down while the other rifled his pockets and took his wallet and bag, leaving their victim bruised and shocked.

The next day, police searched the area and recovered two jackets and subsequent DNA testing confirmed that they belonged to the two men.

Whitcher (18) subsequently admitted robbery but Glenn (23) denied any involvement, claiming that Whitcher had stolen his jacket. However, in December, a jury unanimously found Glenn guilty.

Judge Andrew Barnett told the pair their crime had been so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

Whitcher was jailed for 30 months while Glenn was given three and a half years.

Judge Barnett told them: "I have had the benefit of hearing the victim give evidence and I can't forget the picture of him having to relive that awful moment in court. He is an elderly man and it must have been a terrifying experience.

"People who live in this city are entitled to walk through it without being attacked by the likes of you."