YOUNG thug Karl Telfer could face prison after failing on a drug treatment and testing order imposed for attacking a woman in the town centre.

The 20-year-old mugger escaped being jailed last summer after he knocked his victim to the ground and then dragged her along the road by her handbag.

But he has refused to go to a residential treatment centre and the probation service has found him in breach of the order.

He now faces the prospect of being re-sentenced by a judge at the crown court and could receive a lengthy jail term.

Heroin addict Telfer was living with his sister when he launched his vicious attack on recruitment consultant Stephanie Toon in spring last year.

He left his sister's flat on the morning of Monday, March 22 last year and stole a new cheque book sent to one of her neighbours which had arrived that morning in the post.

In a bid to get money to feed his addiction he tried to cash one of the cheques for £250 at The Money Shop on Commercial Road, but was unsuccessful.

Minutes later he saw Miss Toon, who was returning to her office after doing the banking in the town centre.

As she crossed the road on to Deacon Street she felt a tug on her handbag from behind and turned in horror to see Telfer pulling on it.

Despite being terrified at what was happening to her she refused to let go of her bag and was thrown to the ground.

She had shouted at him that there was nothing of value in the handbag but he pulled at it as hard as he could and she was dragged along the road towards an alleyway.

But a passer by stepped in and Telfer fled only to be caught when members of the public gave chase both on foot and in cars.

After spending three months in custody on remand Judge John McNaught gave him a chance by imposing an 18 month drug treatment and testing order after he admitted assault with intent to rob, theft and attempted deception.

He was told to live with his mum at Alexander Close, Cirencester, and also subjected to a six month curfew to prevent him returning to Swindon and his old drug taking friends.

However seven months into the order Telfer has failed to comply with the conditions of the order and faces being sentenced again.

Telfer is due before a judge at Swindon Crown Court on Friday.

Before passing sentence last year Judge McNaught told him "Just on Monday this week I got a little booklet about sentencing in robbery cases.

"This is meant to guide me to the right sort of sentence. I am just looking at what it says for a straight robbery or attempt with actual bodily harm.

"The sentencing range is two to four years, and for a young offender it's up to 24 months. That is what would be the right sentence."

Tamash Lal