TWO neighbours whose actions helped jail a woman who preyed on a frail, elderly York man, have been rewarded.

Coraleena Hunter was jailed in April for eight years after preying on an 84-year-old man, stealing his pension and forcing her way into his home on a number of occasions.

Nikki Sellers and Alistair Fawcett were among five neighbours and local traders who were praised by Judge Paul Batty QC for their efforts in providing evidence to North Yorkshire Police which helped secure Hunter’s conviction, and were given High Sheriff’s Awards.

At a ceremony at York Crown Court this month, Judge Batty QC said Ms Sellars and Mr Fawcett, who claimed to be the vulnerable victim’s carer, had “in the most tangible way possible assisted a vulnerable man who needed help”.

The court heard Ms Sellers saw Hunter barge into the 84-year-old man’s Garfield Terrace home against his will in October last year, reported the incident to the police, and later picked Hunter out in an identity parade. Mr Fawcett saw Hunter bang on the victim’s window before she left and was ejected from a local pub. He then phoned police as Hunter returned to the victim’s home and forced her way inside.

Judge Batty QC said: “Had it not been for the actions of these two recipients of the awards she probably would have continued her campaign against other vulnerable victims.

“This is one of the more joyous occasions we have in this court. Most of the time we are concerned with the coalface of original sin, but on this occasion we are here to celebrate and make public the support of a number of members of the public here in York.”

High Sheriff John Furness, presenting the awards, said: “I think it’s wonderful how people help and jump in to support the justice system and give their time or follow their instinct to help.

“It’s so well deserved. It’s remarkable what people will do rather than turn their backs and run away from a crime.”

Ms Sellers said: “I’m very proud but the best thing about it is she can’t hurt him any more, that’s what I’m most pleased about.”

Mr Fawcett said: “I met Prince Charles recently in Tadcaster and now I’ve met the High Sheriff, I’m very proud. It’s a once in a lifetime thing really.

“I never expected anything like this for what we did. It’s an acknowledgement of your efforts really.”

The court previously heard Hunter had pushed the victim - who has learning disabilities, suffers from epilepsy, and cannot read or write - to the ground in an alleyway near Shambles Market and took his pension off him. Witnesses described how her actions reduced him to tears and how Hunter continued to rifle through his pockets or took him away to rob him even when they challenged her and tried to stop her. Ms Sellers and Mr Fawcett were presented with cheques for £100 each and a certificate. Oliver Darbyshire and market traders Carmela and Jo Tolomeo who run Newgate Hog Roast were presented with their awards privately.