A HOMELESS Carlisle man who robbed a pensioner in the street has been jailed.

Kyle Crawford grabbed the woman's purse with such force that she suffered a shoulder injury, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

The 25-year-old admitted robbery.

The court heard how the woman had been in Bank Street in the city centre after using a cash machine on November 16 last year when the defendant suddenly wrenched her purse from her hand and then fled on foot. Bystanders gave chase and cornered him nearby.

When asked by one of the good Samaritans why he had done it, he replied: "I owe people money."

The court heard that the 69-year-old victim's ordeal shattered her confidence and left her feeling vulnerable.

Jeff Smith, for Crawford, who has no fixed address, suggested Crawford wanted to be arrested and jailed.

"He knew that if he stayed on the streets much longer his life would come to a very, very premature end," said the lawyer.

Recorder Ciaran Rankin jailed Crawford for two years and three months.