A MAN who carried out an assault and robbery on a 75-year-old woman has been jailed for 21 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Fifty-eight-year-old Colin Boyle targeted the pensioner near his home in Cuddyside, Peebles, in April 2022.

The court was told he seized the strap on her handbag - causing her to fall to the ground - before escaping with the contents.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said her client had a longstanding issue with drug misuse and was remorseful for his actions.

Sheriff Peter Paterson described the attack as "cowardly" and said he would be failing in his public duty if a custodial sentence was not imposed.