A BURNT Oak heroin addict who snatched a purse from an 84-year-old woman has been jailed for 24 weeks.

Christian Molnar, 30, started the sentence on Friday after admitting taking the purse from the elderly victim as she walked past Yeshurun Synagogue in Fenhurst Gardens, Edgware, on November 11.

The victim told police she felt a tap on the back and when she turned around Molnar grabbed the bright red purse, containing £5 and credit cards, from the bag.

She chased him shouting “No, no, don't take my purse”, but he escaped down a side alley.

However, he was spotted dropping the purse into a litter bin in Station Road, Edgware, by off duty PC Peter Fernandez who was parking his car at the time.

He followed Molnar and called police backup, who arrested him. CCTV supplied by the synagogue showed him taking the purse from the victim and running off with it.

Detective Sergeant Andy Goodwin from Barnet CID said:. “This was a cold hearted attack on an elderly and vulnerable victim and it fully warrants a custodial sentence.

“Considering the age of the victim and the distress it caused it is fortunate that the consequences were not more serious.

“I have to pay tribute to officer Peter Fernandez from Islington police station. His observation and quick thinking led directly to Molnar’s arrest.

“I would also like to personally thank the Yeshurun synagogue; they fully supported police in gathering the overwhelming evidence against Molnar. Their example shows the importance of police working with the local community.”

He pleaded guilty to theft from the person and was jailed at Hendon Magistrates Court on Friday.