THE family of a pensioner who died after her handbag was snatched by a heroin addict are "disgusted" by the legal system which allowed the assailant to walk free.

The family of Mary Tudge said they feel let down by British justice after Rory Jones was first charged with manslaughter after stealing the 77 year-old's bag, which she had left in an unattended trolley in the Tesco store at St Peter's, Worcester.

But the manslaughter charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service which said there was insufficient evidence.

The final blow to the family came when Jones - who admitted the theft and a number of other shoplifting offences - was spared a jail sentence and instead, sentenced to an 18-month drug treatment and testing order on Friday, May 17.

"The family is disgusted, outraged and shocked by the way the legal system has let them down and has also let the police down, who from the start have done their utmost to bring a serial offender to justice," said Mrs Val Matthews, Mrs Tudge's daughter-in-law.

Mrs Tudge, of Hidcote Close, St Peter's, collapsed and died at Tesco on Friday, January 11.

Ms Matthews praised the police for their ongoing concern and help throughout the whole process.

She said the distress of the post mortem was a harrowing ordeal but when the family were told a second post mortem had to be carried out the distress was overwhelming.

"The natural grieving process cannot begin, but the thought that justice may prevail provides the small glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel that helps you cope," she said.

"After suggesting that a four-year sentence would be appropriate the judge decided to let the offender walk free.

"If the offender really were to change his life at least some good might come out of this tragedy. However, after a string of previous offences it is hard to believe.

She added that the ordeal will always haunt her.

"When I next pick up the evening paper and see that yet again, an unsuspecting, probably elderly law abiding citizen has suffered at the hands of a reformed criminal - leaving a bereft family to pick up the pieces - I shall think of that judge."