An 85-year-old woman bravely fought back against a female intruder who raided her home in the Yoker area of Glasgow.
Patricia Melville challenged Pauline Hawkins - who had 138 previous convictions - at the sheltered housing flat in June this year.
The 45-year-old had been spotted raking through the OAP's bag.
Prosecutor Amy Hunter then told Glasgow Sheriff Court: "The woman approached Hawkins and attempted to remove her bag from her.
"But, Hawkins subsequently prevented her from getting it back."
The thief eventually fled with whisky, money and a purse also among her loot.
Medics who later treated the pensioner initially feared she had suffered a heart attack as a result of her ordeal. She had had a panic attack instead.
Hawkins had earlier that day carried out a similar crime at the home of 69 year-old Bruce Calhoon in the same complex. She initially claimed to be looking for a safe - before leaving with just toilet paper and a phone.
Hawkins today admitted to two theft charges as well as behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.
Sheriff Paul Reid jailed her for 15 months and ordered her to be supervised for six months on her release. He told her: “The charges are frankly disgusting. The elderly people in our community need protection from people like you.”
