A CRACK addict was jailed for ten years for violently robbing two men in Newport – and a court heard one of his victims killed himself after the attack.

Ian Rush Postains' first victim committed suicide after being robbed, Newport Crown Court heard.

Despite being allowed out on bail for the first offence, he went on to attack another man in the city.

Prosecutor Gareth James said the first victim left his flat in Pill at 10pm on June 16 to go to a cashpoint.

On his way home, he was approached by Postains, who said he could find him a woman if he paid him £40.

He followed Postains to the rear of some houses where Postains demanded money before grabbing his neck.

Mr James said Postains, 28, of Charlotte Walk, Newport, told the victim: “Give me your money or I’ll kill you.”

A witness said Postains delivered heavy blows to the man's face. He suffered bruising and a fracture.

Following his arrest on June 17 Postains maintained his innocence, but was picked out in an identity parade.

The court was told that it emerged on August 8, his victim had killed himself. He left a note which mentioned the robbery.

Postains was bailed at Newport Magistrates Court on August 20 after pleading not guilty to the first robbery.

On October 9, his second victim went to the Alma pub on Commercial Street, leaving at one point to take out £150 from a cashpoint.

At the end of the night, he left the pub and was hit on the back of the head by Postains. A DJ at the pub saw the victim lying on the ground and Postains holding his wallet. Postains was later arrested by police, who after a search found the wallet missing £150.

He pleaded guilty to both robberies on December 3.

He was subject to a eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, for having a bladed article in a public place when he committed the first offence, and had been jailed for four years in 2004 for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He had also breached other community orders.

Gareth Williams, for Postains, said the offences were motivated by his’ addiction to crack cocaine, adding: He added: "He’s able to look back at what he has done and he’s said he is, for what it’s worth, sorry.”

Postains was sentenced to four years in prison for the first robbery, with a further six months for the breach of the suspended sentence, and ten years for the second with an extended licence period of five years. The sentences will run concurrently.

Recorder of Cardiff Nicholas Cooke, described Postains as a dangerous offender but said he could not sentence him for causing the death of his first victim.