AN 82-year-old Bradford pensioner who had nipped out for a newspaper fought back against an intoxicated robber to keep hold of her purse, a court heard.

Aloysius Madugba, of Hall Lane in Shipley, was involved in a tussle with the woman on Cragg Road, near the parade of shops, at around 8.15am on May 12.

Prosecuting Lydia Pearce told the court how Madugba tried to tug at the woman's purse which led to her falling back against a bench.

The defendant was unsuccessful in capturing any of the victim's belongings and began to flee as she went to Windhill Mini Market to report what had happened.

A customer of the shop said he saw Madugba limp off in a black top following the incident.

Within hours, the 28-year-old, who the police already knew, was arrested at his flat.

They seized clothes from the property and Madugba tested positive for cocaine.

In her victim statement, the woman said she had lived in the area for 40 years and never experienced anything like this in the past.

Although not injured, the woman was understandably "shaken up" by what had happened on the day.

One witness said Madugba had been to the shop twice that morning and exchanged words with the victim.

Defending Safter Salam said Madugba suffers from psychosis but this could come from substance abuse.

He added that the defendant is "very vulnerable" and lives in an area where he is exploited by friends and others.

As Recorder Tahir Khan was about to pass sentence, an emotional Madugba had his head in his hands and said "I can't stop crying".

Recorder Khan outlined how this was the first time the defendant has committed an offence of this seriousness.

He added that the age of the vulnerable victim made the offence "gravely serious".

Madugba did not plead guilty to the crime until the day of trial in September, the court heard.

Mr Salam said this was because a witness account had not been given to the court until shortly before the trial.

Madugba appeared at Bradford Crown Court, via video link from HMP Leeds, to face a count of attempted robbery on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old was sentenced to 20 months of imprisonment of which 200 days he has already served on remand.

He will only serve half of the sentence and be released on licence for the rest of the time.