A robber, who left a woman traumatised after he grabbed at a gold chain around her neck, has been jailed for 18 months.

Leeds Crown Court heard the victim who was in her 50s was walking in Moor End Road, Lockwood, around 1.40pm on August 21 last year when two young men approached.

One of them was Connor James Murray who snatched at her gold necklace which broke in half. He then fled with the half he was holding while the rest fell to the ground.

She suffered a scratch to her neck and Cameron was subsequently caught because his DNA was found on her coat. She also then identified him.

Adam Birkby representing Cameron told the court he was disgusted with his actions and wanted to publicly apologise to the victim for what he did. “It was unacceptable and no doubt she has been terribly upset.”

He said Cameron had come under pressure from the group he was with to carry out the offence which was no excuse for his behaviour.

He had since moved away from the Newsome area to get away from drugs and peer pressure.

He now planned to move to Rastrick if possible with his girlfriend and had the opportunity of work.

Murray, 21 of Occupation Road, Sheepridge, admitted the robbery.

Jailing him Recorder Peter Babb said it was so serious the offence justified an immediate jail term. Murray had previous convictions for robbery on his record and the effect on his victim had been traumatic.

He said not only had she suffered a minor injury to her neck but described in a victim personal statement how she was now wary when going out, constantly looking behind her in the street fearful she was going to be attacked again.

He told Murray because there were some encouraging signs for the future he could however reduce the sentence