A robber who snatched a 79-year-old woman's handbag has been told he could be facing a lengthy prison sentence.
Dean Kenyon carried out the frightening robbery in Consett on January 12, leaving the elderly victim with injuries.
Kenyon, 34, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Thursday, via link from HMP Durham, where he pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery.
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Annie Richardson, prosecuting, said that before sentencing Kenyon, an up to date medical report regarding the victim was needed.
The court was told that "force" was used against the 79-year-old, who has a "pre-existing back condition", and that she would like to put together a victim impact statement.
Defence barrister, Chris Morrison, said the "level of injury caused is clearly going to be a concern to the court, and to the defendant, also."
The court heard that Kenyon also has a previous conviction for robbery dating back to 2020, when he "barged" into a woman from behind, knocking her to the ground, and snatched her purse from her hand.
Judge Ray Singh agreed that the sentencing should be adjourned until later this month so that a medical report and victim statement could be compiled.
"I will have to consider a lengthy custodial sentence", he said.
Kenyon, of Parkside Crescent, Seaham, will appear back at the court for sentencing on Monday, February 21.
