A BIKE-RIDING bag snatcher dragged a woman several metres after striking as she left the off-licence where she worked late at night.

While her colleague was pulling down the shutters at Booze Buster, in Newton Aycliffe town centre, Christopher Cole cycled up to the victim and grabbed the handbag from her shoulder, at 10.30pm on December 22.

Durham Crown Court heard that trying to cling onto it, she was dragged by her knees until the strap snapped and Cole rode away with the bag.

Sam Faulks, prosecuting, said it contained £72.50 in cash, several store cards and the victim’s driving licence.

Mr Faulks said she suffered several scars and grazes, but an x-ray showed her left arm and wrist were not broken, only sprained.

Despite attempting to return to work she has given up both that job and a door-to-door collection round, as she has since felt vulnerable, particularly at night, while also suffering depression.

Cole was arrested on January 20 and admitted taking the bag, but denied using force.

But when he appeared at a plea hearing, last month, he admitted a charge of robbery.

The court heard that the 29-year-old roofer, of Chandos Street, Darlington, has a record featuring 22 convictions for 44 offences, several for dishonesty and violence.

Adrian Dent, mitigating, said Cole primarily wanted to apologise to his victim for the distress caused.

He described the incident as, “an impulsive action when an opportunity presented itself”, which was over very quickly.

Mr Dent said, as with many of Cole’s offences, it was committed after he had been drinking, in this case following a row with his partner over where they planned to spend Christmas.

Jailing him for three years, Judge Christopher Prince told Cole his actions have had a "significant impact" on the victim.