Robber who stole woman's handbag outside Northamptonshire supermarket jailed

Stuart Williams, aged 33, of Borough Court, Higham Ferrers, targeted the woman after she had just taken some money form a cashpoint outside Asda in Rushden.

Northampton Crown Court heard Williams was involved in a violent struggle with the woman who fell to the floor and was then dragged a short distance.

Stephen Moore, prosecuting, said Williams managed to rip the handbag off the woman and run away.

However, two men who had witnessed the robbery chased him down and recovered the handbag.

Williams was arrested and in police interview, he told officers he had stolen the money to fund his drug habit.

His Honour Judge Fowler said a custodial term was the only sentence he could pass.

Williams, who admitted a charge of robbery, was sentenced to 16 months in jail. He is likely to serve half in prison before being released on licence.