A CRACK addict who split a 91-year-old Tottenham man’s head open with a bottle to steal just £80 for drugs has been branded “evil” by police.

Melanie Cole, 49, of Dalston, went to her victim’s house looking to rekindle a relationship with her ex-boyfriend but after discovering he was out launched a savage attack on his father to fuel her addiction.

She first threatened William Reilly, known as Bill, with a knife before hitting him repeatedly with a bottle, splitting his head open, and finally stealing the cash, which she immediately spent on crack cocaine.

Her victim, who was partially sighted, hard of hearing and used a walking stick, was found by one of his three sons at their Tower Gardens Road home, in Tottenham, on December 29.

Detective Chief Inspector Steven Lawrence, of the Met’s murder squad, said: "Bill was a well known figure in the local community. He was a hardworking family man who had worked up until the age of 78 as a builder.

“He was a widower with three sons and six grandchildren whose life was sacrificed in order to feed Cole's addiction to drink and drugs.

“Melanie Cole is an evil woman and I am pleased with the Jury's unanimous verdict.

“Although nothing can bring back Bill, I hope today's sentence will help in some way to alleviate the family's loss."

Cole was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 30 years at the Old Bailey today.

Mr Reilly was taken to the Royal London Hospital where he died on January 6.