by Court Reporter

CASH-STRAPPED James Wallbanks tried to rob a teenager of money she withdrew from a city centre cash machine.

But the desperate 30-year-old, who needed funds to pay his rent, was foiled by an off-duty police officer who saw what was happening and ran to the aid of the 18-year-old victim.

Prosecutor Paul Spratt told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday Wallbanks stood very close to his victim as she was withdrawing money from Barclays Bank in Hanley on June 18 this year.

"As the victim took her card from the machine and went to place the £50 in her purse, she became aware of his right arm grabbing her purse," said Mr Spratt.

"She was trying to push the purse in her bag. She could feel his weight. Her friend was shouting 'Get off her' and 'Help'."

The court heard Wallbanks pulled the bag so hard the strap broke.

But he did not get away as an off-duty police officer saw what was happening and ran across the road, taking the defendant to the floor.

Wallbanks was arrested and admitted his guilt at the scene. He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.

The court heard Wallbanks received a three-year prison sentence in 2006 for a robbery at a shop in Bentilee.

Richard Oldroyd, defending, said Wallbanks was living at a hostel in Hope Street, Hanley, and had spent the rent.

"Out of desperation he hatched a quick plan to get £30," said Mr Oldroyd.

"He tried to snatch the money. He did apologise to the victim at the time.

"It was an entirely different robbery than the one he received three years for."

Judge Granville Styler jailed Wallbanks for 18 months for the robbery and 12 months consecutively for being in breach of a suspended sentence.

The defendant will serve up to half the 30-month sentence with the rest on licence.

"This was a frightening experience for an 18-year-old woman," said the judge.

Story filed in: Court | News