A MAN who preyed on the elderly across East Yorkshire has been jailed for 13 years.
Andrew Cumming was labelled a "a malevolent predator" as he was locked up for robbing, attacking and defrauding elderly people.
Judge Jeremy Richardson QC had considered jailing Cumming for life but said he was "not justified in doing so under current law".
He said: "Your conduct almost defies belief. You deserve severe punishment and that is what you will get.
"You told a man you wanted to rip off 'coffin-dodgers'. That vile remark reveals your cruel, callous and predatory character.
"You have preyed upon the elderly and vulnerable with a vicious determination."
As Cumming, 30, was led into the dock at Hull Crown Court, his sister shouted: "You're disgusting."
Judge Richardson warned her she would face jail if she spoke again during the hearing.
Cumming robbed an 82-year-old woman in her home in Nidderdale, east Hull, after knocking on her door complaining he had glass in his eye one day last September.
When she opened her door to help him, he burst in and grabbed her, dragging her from room to room and destroying her treasured photos.
He left her unconscious on her bedroom floor before stealing £853 and her handbag.
She told police how she tried to fight him off but he was too strong.
Judge Richardson said: "Out of compassion, she opened the door. You then saw your chance and seized it.
"You left her injured and terrified. Having regard to your appalling history of targeting the elderly, this is a particularly serious crime and you deserve a long jail sentence."
Cumming also set upon a couple and their friend out walking their dogs in countryside near Raich Carter Way, north Hull.
He punched a 74-year-old man four times in the face as he lay on the ground, leaving his cheekbone, jaw and eye socket broken.
The man needed surgery to insert metal plates into his face following the assault in August last year.
Police described the attack on the man as "vicious and sustained", lasting up to 15 minutes.
Cumming also punched his wife in the face when she tried to help her husband and snatched a mobile telephone from her friend's hand when she tried to call police.
Judge Richardson said: "This was serious violent conduct towards senior citizens."
Cumming attacked them after accusing the woman of failing to clear up after her dog.
A woman who was with Cumming at the time stood by and did nothing to stop the assaults.
He was also sentenced for trying to defraud two elderly sisters in Cottingham of more than £3,000 for garden work he had not carried out.
Cumming admitted robbery, wounding and two charges of fraud.
He has 78 previous convictions, many for dishonesty and many against elderly victims.
Jailing him for 13 years, Judge Richardson said: "You are an habitual criminal of a predatory kind.
"You target elderly victims who are particularly vulnerable, which is part of your malevolent character.
"I have seriously considered imposing a life sentence, but I would not be justified in so doing under the current law. However, you will be severely punished.
"You pose a significant and enduring risk to the public, particularly elderly citizens."
Cumming was also given an extended licence period of a further five years.
