A violent robber who attacked elderly women in their own homes in the West Midlands – and who police suspected was behind identical attacks in Walsall – must serve at least nine years in jail.

Kevin Matthews was arrested on suspicion of robbery in July following a string of similar attacks in Pheasey between April and June last year, but police said not enough evidence could be found to charge him.

The 32-year-old, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court for three counts of robbery in Edgbaston and Boldmere.

In one attack, Matthews tied together the legs of his 70-year-old victim, smothered her with a cushion, threatened her with a bread knife and pulled the rings from her fingers. He also punched and slapped her across the face after she disturbed him at her home in Edgbaston on May 11.

He fled with £150 cash and jewellery, leaving the pensioner with severe bruising.

The following month, Matthews robbed an 84-year-old woman in her Boldmere home as she returned from an evening out with her family.

He held her arm up behind her back and put his other hand over her mouth before walking her round the house forcing her to point out valuables.

She suffered minor injuries as Matthews stole £300 in cash and jewellery.

Ten days later Matthews struck again, this time at the home of an 84-year-old woman in Erdington, where he  forced his way in causing the door to hit the victim on the head.

She was then forced to sit  as Matthews ransacked her home, taking £50 of cash and items of jewellery.

Police today welcomed the verdict, after Matthews was given an indeterminate sentence and was told he would serve at least nine years.