A MUGGER has been jailed for 18 months after he was caught when he dropped his dummy at the scene.

Donovan Kenlyn pounced on pensioner John Johnson as he left Rushey Green post office, Catford, on May 16 but dropped his pink plastic comforter as he fled with £220 cash.

A court heard Kenlyn had hidden £125 in stolen cash in his shoe.

Police had noticed him walking into a bail hostel earlier that day and went back there when they found the dummy in the street.

A pile of clothing in his room at the hostel in Canadian Avenue, Catford, matched Mr Johnson's description of his attacker.

The 21-year-old was at the hostel on licence from an eight-month jail sentence for burglary and has a string of convictions for drugs, violence and theft.

Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court heard 71-year-old Mr Johnson had just drawn his pension and put it in his back trouser pocket.

He had gone to the bus stop to return to his Catford home, when he felt someone bump into him and reach into his pocket.

The pensioner tried to fight Kenlyn off but realised he already had a wad of money in his hand.

Kenlyn, of Thackery House, Harrow Road, Harlesden, admitted one count of theft.

He was also ordered to pay £125 compensation to Mr Johnson.