Three years in prison for Preston handbag robber

Liam Duncan Dyer, of St Annes Street, Deepdale, Preston, was told he would have to serve an immediate custodial term by Recorder Paul Taylor.

The 29-year-old had pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery at an earlier hearing before Preston Crown Court.

On that occasion, the court was told Dyer had a number of previous convictions, including shoplifting, but none for robbery.

The case was adjourned on the last occasion because the victim of the robbery, a woman in her 50s, wished to provide a victim impact statement.

Victims of crime have the opportunity to provide their comments to the judge so that it can be taken into account during sentencing.

The court was told the woman suffers a medical issue and that she sustained minor injuries during the robbery on November 24 last year.

Dyer was ordered to pay a £181 victim surcharge.

Police guidelines advise people can deter robbers by trying to have a bag across your chest and keeping your hand over the fastening.

If walking alone at night, try to stay on roads that are well lit and relatively busy, avoiding short cuts involving alleyways or parks.