A ROBBER has been jailed for five years for mugging an elderly relative of her handbag containing her life savings.

Phil Gascoigne, 26, targeted the 67-year-old as she walked down her garden path, returning from a bingo session in her home village of Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street.

Durham Crown Court heard that the victim was carrying three bags, but Gascoigne grabbed only her shoulder bag, containing her savings of £2,700.

Alex Burns, prosecuting, said she suffered cuts and bruises to her hands and face during the snatch.

Mr Burns said Gascoigne was distantly related to the woman, and, it is likely he was aware she was in the habit of carrying her savings in the bag.

He was arrested after his girlfriend at the time reported him, having noticed he had a large amount of money, finding the empty bag and overhearing him admitting to the robbery.

Mr Burns said the victim, who previously enjoyed a lively social life, is now fearful of leaving her home.

Gascoigne, of Lingey Close, Sacriston, who has a lengthy list of previous offences, admitted robbery. Geoff Knowles, for Gascoigne, said none of his previous offending included robbery.

He said Gascoigne, who had been drinking and taking heroin, only came across the victim by chance as he made his way to an off-licence for more drink, on the evening of February 5.

Jailing Gascoigne, Judge Guy Whitburn said: "You're 26 years old and, on the spur of the moment, chose to attack a 67-year-old widow.

"She was known to you and you knew she would be in possession of a large amount of money.

"As a result it's left her frightened, unsure and nervous about leaving the house.

"The public, rightly, has an abhorrence of such cases and five years is the very least sentence I can pass."