Pensioner, 83, collapsed in shock after being targeted by 'mean and wicked' purse snatcher who preyed upon vulnerable victims in Leeds city centre

Arron Pattinson also preyed upon a 67-year-old woman by stealing her purse as she gave money to a homeless person.

A judge told the former soldier that the offences were "mean and wicked" as he was sent to prison for 14 months.

Leeds Crown Court heard the 24-year-old targeted the 67-year-old victim in Leeds city centre on December 10 this year.

Harry Crowson, prosecuting, said the woman was on her way home from work when she stopped to give money to a homeless person.

Pattinson approached the woman and snatched the purse from her hand before running away.

The purse contained £10 in cash, a bus pass and a bank card.

Pattinson used the bank card to buy £28 worth of tobacco and drinks from a shop the following day.

Pattinson asked the woman the time before snatching the purse and running off.

Members of the public chased after him and he was detained by police community support officers.

The purse was recovered from a bin. It had £8 missing from it and papers which contained the victim's address.

Mr Crowson said the victim collapsed due to shock and became unconscious.

Pattinson, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one of fraud.

He has previous convictions for driving offences and failing to comply with court orders.

Joseph Hudson, mitigating, said, Pattinson is a former soldier and committed the offences at a time when he had nowhere to live.

Mr Hudson said his client pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC, said: "These were mean and wicked offences.

"These offences were committed during the current pandemic when people were trying to keep a safe social distance from each other."