This footage shows how a thoughtless thief snatched a handbag from a stranger in broad daylight.
James Hudson has been jailed after he admitted carrying out the robbery last month to feed his drug addiction.
The 37-year-old had been walking along Shields Road in Byker , Newcastle, on June 1 when he approached a woman he did not know.
She had her back turned to him and Hudson creeped up behind her and tried to steal the contents of the bag.
A court heard how the 50-year-old victim felt Hudson brush behind her and she turned to confront him.
At this point he grabbed the bag and snatched it from her shoulder - causing her to fall to the ground.
The victim was left with a grazed elbow but bravely tried to chase after Hudson, however, he was able to escape with her belongings.
The next day, an officer on patrol in Newcastle city centre saw Hudson and recognised him as the same man as in CCTV images of the robbery.
He was arrested and found in possession of a distinctive cigarette tin that had belonged to the victim of the violent theft.
Hudson, of Merlay Hall, Walker , made a full admission in interview and said he had carried out a "spur of the moment" robbery to feed his drug addiction.
He has now been jailed for 40 months at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to robbery.
Following the hearing, Northumbria Police praised the bravery of the victim and said they were glad Hudson had been handed an immediate custodial sentence.
Insp Mick Brown said: "The victim in this case was minding her own business when she has been pounced upon by James Hudson.
"She has been hauled to the floor and had her handbag snatched from her. It must have been a terrifying few seconds for her.
"However, she has sprang to her feet and sprinted after the offender in a bid to make sure he did not escape justice.
"He managed to get away but thanks to the quick actions of police he was soon in police custody and fully admitted what he had done.
"The victim has been very brave throughout these proceedings and I hope she takes some comfort from knowing this man will be behind bars for the foreseeable future."
Hudson was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170.
