Callous robber stole a woman's purse as she waited for a taxi outside supermarket

MAN TARGETED UNSUSPECTING VICTIM SHORTLY AFTER A BUNGLED SHOPLIFTING ATTEMPT

- By MARK NAYLOR

AN unsuspecting woman was left terrified after a callous robber who was desperate for some easy money suddenly tried to grab her shopping bag during a violent struggle as she waited for a taxi outside a supermarket.

Aggressive and determined Thomas Wharton stole the woman's purse after targeting her shortly after a bungled shoplifting mission inside the store.

She lost her balance during the confrontation and fell into a shopping trolley, Hull Crown Court heard.

Wharton, 26, of no fixed address, but recently in custody on remand, admitted robbery, theft and causing criminal damage on April 19.

Connor Stuart, prosecuting, said that Wharton entered the Asda superstore in Mount Pleasant, east Hull, at about 8am and stole three bottles of vodka, valued at £65, before trying to leave without paying. Security staff followed him outside, took back the bottles of vodka and contacted the police.