A ROBBER who threatened his victim with a knife as she walked to work before stealing her handbag has been jailed for three years.

Jean Boardman refused to hand over her bag to David Bennett, aged 31.

But he threatened her with a Samurai dagger and demanded she give him the handbag.

The terrified woman handed it over in case Bennett hurt her.

The robbery took place in Chorley Old Road, Bolton, at 9.40am on November 30 last year, Bolton Crown Court was told.

Zoe Salter, prosecuting, said: “Jean Boardman was on her way to work when someone demanded her bag. She initially thought it was a prank and continued walking.

“He then walked in front of her and demanded the bag and she said no.

“He produced a knife and he held the bag and she held on, but then let go because she thought it was not worth getting hurt.”

The court heard that Bennett, of Chorley Old Road, committed the robbery to fund his drug habit.

He ran off towards some flats, the police arrived and stopped a vehicle in which he was a passenger and found the bag.

Just two days before he robbed his victim, Bennett pushed a woman out of the way of a cash machine in Chorley Old Road to steal the £80 she had withdrawn.

Bennett pleaded guilty to one count of robbery on December 22 last year. The robbery at the cash machine was also taken into consideration.

Kimberley Morton, defending, said: “He told me in a letter he is ashamed and he talks about his great sorrow at committing this offence.”

Sentencing Bennett yesterday, Recorder Rowena Goode told him: “The circumstances of this offence were serious. The aggravating factor was clearly the production of the knife, although you did not use it.

“The lady initially brave put up some resistance, but it was clear she was overcome by fear on seeing what is a lethal weapon.

“I have read your letter expressing your remorse, I hope it is long lasting. You are not a first time offender — you have been before the court on many occasions on an escalating basis.”