A judge has praised two men who chased and caught a robber after he targeted a pensioner in Redditch town centre.

Warren Shuck grabbed 73-year-old Rita McGivern's bag but she began shouting loudly as he tried to flee.

Two men who heard her cries stopped Shuck and retrieved the stolen bag, although Shuck managed to escape before giving himself up half an hour later, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Judge Ian Morris said the men - who have never been traced - had the thanks of the court for their public-spirited actions.

Shuck, aged 26, of Cedar View, Batchley, was jailed for two and a half years. He pleaded guilty to robbery.

The victim was walking through Redditch about noon on March 31 when Shuck asked her the time.

As she looked at her watch, he seized her bag, said prosecutor Graeme Simpson.

"The two men came to her assistance," he added.

"The bag was returned to her, although she was very distressed."

Shuck surrendered voluntarily at Redditch police station and confessed he had just carried out a robbery.

He had a record for deception, affray and handling stolen goods.

William Rickarby, defending, said Shuck saw it as an opportunity to get locked up and conquer his heroin addiction.

He was fed up with the life he was leading.

"His appearance and attitude have improved since he has been in custody," said Mr Rickarby.

"He has shown a willingness to address the root cause of his offending." A drug test while Shuck was on remand showed he was clear of heroin.

Judge Ian Morris said Shuck may need psychological help to counter violent and aggressive behaviour.

He said the likely spin-off for the victim was that she would have lost the confidence to go out alone.

But the judge told Shuck: "You gave yourself up, which shows seeds of decency.

"Perhaps you were frightened by the seriousness of the crime and then made an effort to free yourself from drugs."