A romantic thief – one of a professional gang which targeted extremely vulnerable pensioners in Deal – went on a spending spree with stolen credit card details.

Andrew Martin blew the money on cars, hotel stays, fuel... and even sent two bouquets to a barmaid!

At least five victims – including an 83-year-old man and a 78-year-old Alzheimer’s sufferer from the town – lost more than £20,000.

But senior police officers have admitted they are baffled as to how the fraudsters obtained the details of their victims' bank accounts and pin numbers.

Prosecutor Donna East told a judge: “All the victims are retired people and despite a lengthy investigation the police have been unable to establish how the victims were targeted.

“All their identities had been taken and it is believed there are more people involved in this criminal enterprise. More than £20,000 has been lost.”

Corrupt carpenter Martin, 27, used the cards to buy FIVE second hand cars, fuel, taxis, hotel stays...as well as two bouquets of flowers!

Canterbury Crown Court how Martin, of Curzon Close, was caught – because the thief - more stupid than Cupid - used his real details when he sent the love tokens to the pub!

But even when he knew that police were after him he carried on more frauds in other towns in the South-East.

He was jailed for two years after admitting 12 frauds and asking for a further 12 to be taken into consideration.

Prosecutor Donna East said: “One of the victims is Daphne Rooke, a 78-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer's.

“In March one of her carers noticed numerous transactions from her bank account which had been made without her knowledge.”

She said that in just 18 days between February and March 42 transactions had been made totalling £5,000.

Ms Rooke’s bank cards were changed...but the gang still managed to get the new details and use them another 28 times, ringing up another £3,500 until they were stopped.

The prosecutor said the victim had been contacted by someone claiming to be from Barclays Bank and asking her to confirm details.

She said the stolen details were used to buy a £450 Audi, a £250 Renault and a £775 Volvo – the deals all leading to Martin who was also caught on CCTV.

Ms East said he sent flowers to a barmaid at a Havant pub – two bouquets worth £100 and £60. She later told police she didn’t know who had sent them.

Investigating officers contacted Martin’s family in May who claimed he was working in Gloucestershire and would return in several days. But he never showed up for the police interview.

He wasn’t arrested until September – by which time he had carried out five more offences.

“All the victims are retired people and despite a lengthy investigation the police have been unable to establish how the victims were targeted" - prosecutor Donna East

But he told police he wouldn't reveal the names of the other gang members “as he felt he would be at risk of harm”.

Kerry Waite, defending, told the court that Martin felt “relieved he had been arrested and charge because it had brought an end to the spree of offending”.

“He was just a runner and others were involved in the obtaining of the details of the stolen cards. He was delegated to get and deliver cars, “ he added.

Mr wait said martin was offered £100 to collect a car from a garage – but then realised “something was wrong”.

“He did try to extricate himself but was badly beaten and there was a degree of coercion. He felt compelled to carry on, “ he claimed.

Judge Adele Williams said the frauds had “all the hallmarks of professional sophisticated crime aimed at vulnerable victims.”