A WOMAN who was robbed by Sling man Jason Marshall, 23, as she walked home with her shopping is now too scared to go out alone on foot in her home area, a court heard.

Jacqueline Mann feels she now has to use taxis for her journeys from home to go shopping and to work, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

Marshall, of Marsh Way, admitted robbing Miss Mann of her handbag and contents in Metz Way, Gloucester, on September 26 this year.

He asked for a similar bag snatch offence committed shortly afterwards on the same day to be taken into consideration.

Prosecutor Mary Harley said Miss Mann had been to ASDA and was walking home at 4.40pm along Metz Way. She was carrying several shopping bags and her handbag.

"In an alleyway Marshall aproached her from behind and offered to help her carry her bags. "When she refused, he pushed her against a fence and said 'Give me your bags.'

"He was holding his right hand in his jacket pocket.

"He pulled her handbag away but she clung to it. As he persisted in pulling she lost her balance and fell to the floor, banging her head and scraping her

knee. She was considerably shocked.

"She was given assistance by staff from a local store until the police and ambulance arrived.

"She went with officers on a drive around in the area and was able to identify the defendant, who was arrested at 5.50pm."

Miss Mann had lost her house keys in the raid and this had caused her 'great anxiety,' commented the judge, Jamie Tabor QC.

Mrs Harley told the court Marshall has previous convictions for offences including assault, shoplifting, and possessing heroin. Five days before robbing Miss Mann he had received a conditional discharge for having crack cocaine.

After hearing that the police want to speak to Marshall about other issues the judge remanded him in custody to be sentenced on a date to be fixed.