A TEENAGE heroin addict was so ashamed after trying to steal a pensioner's handbag that he gave himself up.

Daniel Barnett, 19, of Darlington, was sentenced to two years in a young offenders' institution after admitting a charge of attempted robbery at Teesside Crown Court.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, told the court how on January 27 an 84-year-old woman had visited a friend in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

While walking down a steep hill, she was approached by Barnett, of Middleton Court, Middleton Street, Darlington.

He tried to grab her handbag but the pensioner hung on to it and in the struggle fell to the ground hitting her head and causing an injury that later needed eight stitches.

A woman passing in a car who came to her aid was praised by Judge Tony Briggs.

Barnett later gave himself up to police, telling officers that he was a heroin addict and had only grabbed the bag on the spur of the moment.

Dan Cordey, defending, said Barnett had felt deep remorse and, as a result, was now drug free and determined to live a decent life.

Sentencing Barnett, Judge Briggs said that the attempted robbery must have been a terrifying experience for the elderly victim.

Judge Briggs said that, but for the fact he had given himself up, was of previous good character and had made real efforts to rid himself of his drug addiction, Barnett would have been facing a future as a "long-term prisoner".