A MAN who attempted to rob an 84 year old woman of her handbag resulting in her falling and splitting her head open has been jailed for three years.

Preston Crown Court was told that the pensioner had gone into Lancaster in broad daylight on some errands when she was approached by Luke Churchill.

Passersby intervened and detained Churchill until police arrived.

Churchill (32), of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to attempting to rob the woman on July 9th.

Judge Peter Openshaw QC told him: "The sentence must reflect the public outrage for such an offence."

Miss Magdalen Case, prosecuting, told the court the victim was on Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, around 11.45 am. Churchill approached from behind and tried to grab her bag. The woman either fell or was dragged to the ground and hit her head on a wall.

Churchill gave up his attempts to get the bag and was pursued by a passerby who detained him.

He told police he had not meant to hurt the woman. He said he needed money for heroin and had not intentionally pushed her to the ground and was sorry for what had happened.

Miss Case said the woman needed 10 stitches to her head and had shock.

Mr Christopher Hudson, defending, said Churchill had shown contrition.

The offence had been committed against a background of drugs and psychological problems.

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