A MUGGING victim helped police catch her attacker by taking photographs of her on her mobile phone.

Kasey Willis tried to snatch the teenager's handbag as she walked back from college in Hartlepool on October 31 last year.

The 25-year-old threatened to stab the student before fleeing empty-handed, Teesside Crown Court heard.

In an impact statement, the victim said she was shocked and upset by the incident, and is now fearful of walking about outside because she has lost her confidence.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, told Willis, of Chepstow Walk, Hartlepool: "You know this has to be met by a sentence of imprisonment."

Prosecutor Paul Newcombe said the victim had the presence of mind to capture the would-be robber despite the frightening ordeal.

Jailing her for two years and four months, Judge Bourne-Arton told Willis: "This had all the hallmarks of a typical street robbery. You took advantage of a youngish girl, and you made a determined effort her handbag."

Laurie Scott, mitigating, said Willis had never been in trouble until last year when she started a relationship with a drug-dealer.

"Miss Willis is disgusted at what she resorted to on October 31 last year," added Miss Scott. "She has said she is really sorry to the complainant.

"She wishes me to stress she has really had a shock by her actions, and they are actions that will not be repeated.

Willis initially denied attempted robbery, but admitted the offence after she was picked out during an identification procedure.