A ROBBER who targeted vulnerable women was jailed for five years yesterday.

Drug addict Iain Park, 28, of Shap Close, Washington, Wearside, committed three offences over six days last December. At Teesside Crown Court, he admitted one charge of robbery, one of theft and one of attempted theft.

Ian West, prosecuting, said Park was in a Chester-le-Street car park when he opened the passenger door of a car that a woman was trying to park, and stole her handbag. A second attempt two days later was unsuccessful.

Another two days later, Park was in Norton when he grabbed a 72-year-old woman's bag. She would not let go and fell, so he dragged her on her knees until he got the bag.

Two men, Alexander Westwood and Michael Kinnings, who chased Park and restrained him until the police arrived, were given public commendations and £200 each from public funds.

Nigel Soppitt, for Park, said he was sorry, and had made efforts to be drug free.

Judge Les Spittle said Park targeted vulnerable woman and was a "violent oaf".