A HEROIN addict who tried to rob a woman of her handbag has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Wasem Sarwar, of Farrer Street, Nelson, was sent to prison by Preston Crown Court. He had earlier pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said the 39-year-old victim was with her step-brother and the two were heading back to his home from Netherfield Working Men's Club, Nelson, last December. He was a little in front, and went to open the back door.

As she reached the back yard, she noticed the defendant smoking a cigarette.

As she was about to enter through the back gate, Sarwar lunged towards her.

Mr Potter said: "She was pulled to the floor. He tried to pull the handbag from her and allegedly started to kick her to the rib cage and hip area.

"The woman called to her step-brother who came out and the defendant ran away."

The relative chased him to the top of the back street, but was thentemporarily blinded by the lights of a passing vehicle.

The headlights were from a vehicle driven by PC Mark Wilcock, a community beat manager for Whitefield, patrolling in an unmarked car.

He saw a man running and another man shouting towards him. The officer followed him.

Following denials, Sawar admitted the offence.

He explained about a £10-a-day heroin addiction, and added: "I'm very, very sorry for what I have done and the hurt."

Charles Brown, defending, said: "It wasn't a planned operation.

"He was under the influence of illicit drugs and in need, so he felt desperate."