THE sentencing of a man who snatched a handbag from an elderly pedestrian has been adjourned for updated medical reports as to the victim’s injuries.

Dean Kenyon, 35, of Parkside, Seaham, previously admitted the robbery of the 79-year-old woman, which took place in Medomsley Road, Consett, at some time after 8.15pm on Wednesday January 12, this year.

Kenyon was on licence at the time after his release part-way through a three-year and four-week sentence imposed in 2020 for a previous purse snatch robbery, from another elderly victim, in Stockton.

Durham Crown Court heard that in the wake of the recent offence in Consett, Kenyon has been recalled to serve the remainder of the 2020 sentence.

The court was told the amount of force used in the latest robbery would have a bearing on the category the offence falls into, and, therefore, on the ultimate sentence.

Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said the victim of the Consett robbery remained in hospital on the day her impact statement was taken by police, on February 7.

She said that having suffered a fractured hip she may have to move home due to her mobility issues.

Miss Richardson said: “It appears she will be disabled in the long term due to the severity of the injuries.”

Read more: Seaham man grabbed bag from female pedestrian in Consett

Recorder Ata Dallas said the court needs some form of follow-up medical report to ascertain even the preliminary prognosis for the victim, before sentence is passed.

“Mr Kenyon won’t be going anywhere in the near future,” he added.

The recorder ordered the up-dated medical report and adjourned the sentencing hearing until Wednesday April 13.

Kenyon will remain in custody in the meantime.

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