A DRUG addict who snatched a handbag off a vulnerable pensioner after giving her a sob story about her daughter being in hospital has left her victim traumatised.

The woman, who is in her 80s, was targeted by Chantelle Atkinson as she walked through Hartlepool in March this year with the aid of a walking frame.

The 39-year-old asked if the pensioner had any cash to help her to visit her daughter in hospital but the victim became suspicious of her intent and walked away when the 'alarm bells started ringing'.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Atkinson followed the elderly woman before grabbing her handbag, containing £200 in cash, mobile phone, bank, cards, personal photographs, and an address book, before running away.

In a powerful victim impact statement, the pensioner told how the theft of her belongings had had a devastating impact on her life.

She wrote: "This incident is likely to have a large impact on my life and my independence. Even during Covid, I have maintained my independence in going out regularly to live my normal life.

"I am concerned now that this incident will affect my confidence negatively. Already I am feeling nervous and in shock.

"Following the incident I am already more aware of how vulnerable I actually am and I have realised that I need to change certain things and be even more careful to keep safe."

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said the pensioner tried to chase after her but was unable to catch her before asking a passer-by to call the police and when they arrest Atkinson they recovered the cash, bank cards, handbag and purse were recovered but the mobile phone, address book and photographs were never found.

Atkinson, of Sheriff Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to theft from the pensioner.

Kelleigh Lodge, in mitigation, said her client had now moved away from people who were a bad influence on her life.

Recorder Andrew Sutcliffe QC sentenced Atkinson to 12 months in custody, suspended for two years.

He said: "You were intimidating and aggressive towards her, you took her handbag and then ran off. You have heard the distress and appalling affect it has had on this vulnerable lady."

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