A MAN who tried to snatch money from a woman at a bank cashpoint was jailed for 18 months yesterday.

Richard Bennett, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that the attack had happened at the Co-op in Marske High Street, in January

A woman had taken £30 from the bank cashpoint when she turned and came face to face with James Lyons, who stared at her.

The 26-year-old grabbed at the money and a struggle began, during which the woman was scratched on her chest and neck.

During the struggle, Lyons had continued to stare at her, which the woman found menacing and intimidating, said Mr Bennett.

Eventually he ran off emptyhanded leaving the woman shaken.

The court heard that on the same day Lyons had stolen £50 from a woman in Redcar.

Former heroin addict Lyons, of Newcomen Terrace, Redcar, admitted attempted theft and asked the judge to take the second offence into consideration.

Tony Calloway, for Lyons, said his client knew he had to go to jail for the crime. He said the woman had not been seriously injured and that Lyons was free of drugs.

Judge Esmond Faulks said Lyons had previous convictions for dishonesty but nothing as serious as this offence, and sentenced him to 18 months.