A YOUNG mugger has admitted trying to rob a care worker of her handbag as she was making her way between calls on an evening round.

Ross Edmunds was warned he is facing a potential custodial sentence after he pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted robbery of the woman, who was working on foot attending clients in a residential area of East Stanley, County Durham, when he struck, on the evening of Tuesday February 10.

The 45-year-old carer was heading from one call to attend another client, when she became aware of footsteps approaching from behind, in Aberfoyle Court, at about 7.50pm.

Edmunds is said to have demanded the bag and a tussle followed in which he tried to release it from her grasp, before fleeing the scene.

But, traces of his DNA were recovered from the victim’s hat, and, once the match was discovered, it led to his arrest.

Following his plea, today (Wednesday April 22), at Durham Crown Court, his counsel, Victoria Lamballe, asked for preparation of a background probation report on Edmunds prior to sentence.

“He’s 20, and has some previous offences on his record, but nothing at this level,” she said.

Agreeing, Judge Simon Hickey told Edmunds: “You’ve pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and, in due course, you’ll receive credit for that.

“You can have continued bail in the meantime, but, in granting bail that is no promise as to the eventual outcome at sentence.

“All options remain open, but that includes custody, which is highly likely in this case.”

Edmunds, of Thorntree Terrace, East Stanley, was bailed to return to the court for sentence on Friday, May 15.