SCHOOLGIRL who mugged an 83-year-old pensioner is behind bars for two years after a leading judge hit out at people who targeted the elderly.

Burnley Crown Court heard how the 15-year-old's victim suffered "nasty" facial injuries after the attack in February - and Judge Raymond Bennett said elderly people should be able to go shopping without fear.

The judge told the defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, he had seen the photographs of the victim's injuries and she had not looked a robust person. He went on: "If you live as long as she has I hope nobody does that to you."

Judge Bennett added it was very sad to see somebody of the defendant's age in the dock of a criminal court and he felt sorry for the effect it would have on her family.

The teenager, from Barnoldswick, already has a conviction for a raid on a shop and admitted robbery.

The court was told the defendant grabbed the victim's bag and snatched it near the woman's home in Earby. The elderly woman was pulled to the ground and the defendant then ran off.

She later told police she had been having problems at home and wanted to get some money for some food. She apologised for what she had done.

John Woodward, defending, said the schoolgirl came from a good family background but the offence was particularly aggravated by her previous conviction for robbery.

At the time of the offence, she had been having problems at home and had been living a transient lifestyle for several months. She had not really been looking after herself and had not been taking her medication for a thyroid problem.

Mr Woodward said her remorse was genuine and she was absolutely consumed with contrition. She had written a letter to the 83-year-old.

The barrister added the defendant seemed to be turning the corner with her problems and everybody hoped she would do that and live a law abiding life.

Carolyn Rickard, a probation officer with the Youth Offending Team, told the court she believed a Young Offenders' Institution would do the defendant more harm than good.

The defendant was very vulnerable and easily influenced and an institution would be detrimental to any rehabilitation. .

She had been at secure unit for the past few months, had been doing well and was receiving counselling.