A "DESPICABLE" bully preyed on a vulnerable pensioner's kindness to intimidate him out of cash to feed her heroin habit.

Rema Jay Thompson was jailed for 13 weeks after intimidated 72-year-old David Occardi into handing over £240 in cash.

The 38-year-old heroin addict is now banned from contacting the pensioner for life.

In 2013 Thompson, of Parry Street, Barrow, and her lover were jailed after they were caught using a "honey trap" racket using sex to steal more than £17,000 from vulnerable middle aged and elderly men in Barrow.

In 2014 Thompson was jailed for 21 months for dealing crack cocaine.

Yesterday prosecutor Mr Peter Kelly told Furness Magistrates' Court: "It was about 3pm on on January 29 when the victim heard knocking on his kitchen window and then at the front door. The next minute the defendant walked into his flat and into the living room. She said she had no money and needed £150 for electricity and rent.

"She said she would end up homeless. She then said his flat was nice and she might move in."

Fearful of upsetting his new neighbours of three weeks and due to her domineering manner Mr Occardi agreed to hand over the cash, the prosecutor said.

The pair, who had known each other six years, went to Lloyds bank and he withdrew £150 in two transactions.

Mr Kelly added: "The next time he was asleep when there was knocking at the door. He pulled his pants on and went to answer the door and she walked into the flat in a distressed state. She said she needed £50 as she was 'rattling'. She was being very loud and got on her knees and started begging so he thought it easier to give in so they went to the bank again."

On three further occasions she turned up at his door asking for money which he slid through the gap on the door as he put the chain on.

Thompson pleaded guilty to harassing Mr Occardi between January 29 and May 3.

Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, said his client had not realised she had been intimidating towards the victim.

Sentencing Thompson, presiding magistrate Mr Everly Buckley said: "We have heard how you bullied a vulnerable pensioner, on more than one occasion, to simply feed your drug habit.

"You have committed similar crimes in the past.

"All this took place at the victim's home, not once, but several times.

"For this act, which was despicable, the act of a bully and exploiting a vulnerable pensioner's friendship, we send you to custody of nine weeks."

Thompson was also given a further four weeks custody after admitting two counts of failing to answer bail on June 30 and July 21.

She was also fined £80 for a public order offence on June 30 and fined £40 for possession of Suboxone on the same date, which she pleaded guilty to.

Thompson was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and victim surcharge of £115.