TWO people who launched a "cowardly attack" on a woman and stole her mobile phone have been given jail sentences totalling more than seven years.

The pair were sentenced as new figures showed that 28 per cent all robberies involved the theft of a mobile phone.

In a bid to crack down on the problem mobile phone networks can now stop stolen and lost phones being used on any network within 24 hours, even if the SIM card is removed and replaced.

Sarah Healey, 24, of Perry Street and Andrew Harrison, 32, of Dove Lane, both Darwen, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rob at Preston Crown Court.

The 30-year-old victim was in Darwen town centre in December when Healey attacked her followed by Harrison. Property including a mobile phone and cash were taken.

Martin Hackett, defending Healey, described the offence as "unpleasant and mean" but said it was not pre-planned.

He said Healey had been drinking and had taken drugs.

Healey, who has a child, realised she could not go on leading the life she had been doing and needed to stay away from drink, he said.

Richard English, defending Harrison, said he had offended in the past to fund a drug habit.

"He is remorseful and sorry for what had happened," he said.

Healey was jailed for three years and four months, and Harrison got three years and ten months.

They had changed their pleas to guilty during a trial.

After the case, Det Sgt Ian Geogarty said: "It was an ordeal for the young victim who had her mobile phone and cash stolen in an unprovoked attack.

"The sentence reflects the serious nature of the offence. There has been an increase in mobile phone thefts and robberies not just in Darwen but throughout the country. However cases like this just goes to show that all offences of this nature are thoroughly investigated by police and people responsible of such offences will be brought to justice."