A SERIAL bag snatcher serving a lengthy sentence for robbing an old woman, yesterday admitted a further, similar offence.

William Maxwell Abel, 36, was given an "indefinite sentence" of at least three years and six months after being convicted of robbery at Durham Crown Court earlier this year.

Abel denied the offence, in which he was said to have dragged a 76-year-old woman by the neck, before prising her bag from her grasp, in Bedford Place, Bishop Auckland, on November 29, last year.

Having been found guilty by the jury, he expressed remorse for his actions prior to sentence, in May.

However, Judge Richard Lowden, told Abel it was "too late to say sorry".

He imposed the indefinite sentence as he believed Abel posed "a significant risk" of causing serious harm to the public.

The court heard that Abel, of Ashcroft Gardens, Bishop Auckland, served a three-year sentence for a similar offence in 2002.

And yesterday, he was brought back before the court when a further charge of robbery was put to him.

Abel admitted snatching a bag from a 62-year-old woman in Bishop Auckland on October 15 last year - six weeks before the subsequent offence that landed him the indefinite sentence.

His barrister, Chris Morrison, told the court: "He has an extensive criminal history, mainly for summary matters for which he was fined, but there are several significant sentences, including two previous robberies.

"Although serious in its own right, it might be regarded as less serious.

"There was no injury here, although there may have been some distress, and the victim is a decade or more younger."

Mr Morrison said the conviction for last November's robbery is the subject of an appeal by Abel.

Judge Lowden adjourned sentence on Abel for the October robbery until the appeal is resolved.

Abel was returned to custody and Judge Lowden asked to be updated on the situation regarding the appeal at the court on Friday of next week