A PRE-OP transexual was given a suspended jail sentence after admitting a string of frauds targeting elderly people in Barnet.

Amanda Greenwood, 40, of Victoria Road, picked on elderly people in her neighbourhood, often knocking on their doors and asking to borrow small sums to pay for taxis.

However, on one occassion when she returned to “repay” one victim, the former drug addict snatched a wad of notes from one man’s hand.

Magistrates at Hendon passed the case to Wood Green Crown Court, as they felt their sentencing powers were not severe enough.

But on Thursday she was given a 28-week prison sentence suspended for two years, after admitting one burglary, eight counts of fraud and twice failing to appear at court.

She was also handed an Asbo, the terms of which say she is “not to cold call, beg, borrow or steal anywhere in the London Borough of Barnet”.

The officer in the case, Detective Constable Aileen Davies said: “Clearly the sentence imposed by the court is aimed as breaking Greenwood’s offending cycle; while still protecting the residents of Barnet borough from this person’s predatory attentions.

“Greenwood has been given a chance to change her ways - I hope that she will make full use of this opportunity.”

One offence happened after police released Greenwood on bail after arresting her in November last year, when she was followed by a member of the public after he saw her leaving one victim’s house.

Officers believe she has committed several similar offences on unsuspecting neighbours.