HEROIN addict Alan Taggart has been jailed for two and a half years after he robbed a businesswoman of her handbag.

He was arrested after two passers-by gave chase.

Sumitra Pasupathy had been on business in Swin-don and was talking on her mobile phone as she walked to the rail station when she was attacked. Taggart grabbed her bag as she walked along Oxford Street.

But two men, who have asked not to be named, saw what had happened and gave chase. They watch the robber until police arrived.

Kate Brown, prosecuting, told the Crown Court that Taggart, 23, was on bail when he robbed his 28-year-old victim on May 12.

She said: "She got to Oxford Street where the handbag was snatched. She screamed and in her statement spoke of the fear at the time. She turned and saw him run off. By this time she regained her composure and pursued him, but lost sight of him. Fortunately the whole thing was witnessed by two members of the public."

One of the witnesses said: "We saw what happened and instinct just kicked in and we gave chase.

"We followed him until he entered a house, but a man came out with a big dog so we stayed outside. Then the robber came out again after trying to disguise himself with a different jacket and a cap. We knew it was him. We chased him again towards the town centre, but he was cornered then by the police.

"We just did what we could without thinking about it."

When Taggart was arrested he admitted the offence telling police where they would find the bag.

The court was told that Taggart had a string of previous convictions and was put on a drug treatment and testing order in 2001 which he breached three times.

Taggart, of Cavendish Square, admitted robbery, theft, handling and failing to surrender to custody. He was jailed for two years and nine months.