A YOUNG heroin addict attempted to snatch a handbag from an elderly woman returning home from a bingo session.

Gary Stevens, who sprang on his diminutive 67-year-old victim as she reached her doorstep, was yesterday jailed for three years.

The woman, who was awaiting a triple heart bypass, was grabbed from behind and dragged along a pavement by 21-year-old Stevens.

Durham Crown Court heard that the woman's husband was alerted by her screams, and, fearing she was suffering another heart attack, ran from the house.

Following a fruitless struggle with the elderly couple, Stevens fled empty handed, minus his balaclava-style mask and a distinctive coat. Penny Moreland, prosecuting, said his coat was recognised, as he lived not far away in the village of Witton Gilbert and Stevens was arrested within hours of the attack last November.

Miss Moreland said Stevens admitted his motivation was to obtain money to feed his heroin addiction.

Miss Moreland said although both the victim and her husband suffered scratches, bruising and other minor injuries in the ordeal, the main effect was psychological.

"She has lived there all their life and her only independent activity was to go to the bingo in the village, but she is now too frightened to go out alone.

"She is furious that someone has the right to do this, and change her way of life in this way."

Michael Graham, for Stevens, said he was "deeply ashamed" of his actions and the consequences.

Stevens had tried to come off heroin, but had only succeeded since his remand in custody.

Stevens, of May Lea, Witton Gilbert, admitted attempted robbery.

Jailing him, Judge Maurice Carr told Stevens his main aim was to protect members of the public, particularly the elderly, from people with addictions to feed.