A KNIFE-wielding robber who cut a terrified woman's wrists during a handbag snatch on a Kidderminster estate has been given four years' detention.

Drug addict David Ashbery's table knife was sharp enough to break the skin of accounts clerk Gail Lawrence, said Nicolas Cartwright, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court.

Ashbery, aged 18, of Borrington Road, Kidderminster, admitted robbery. He will be under supervision for three years after his release.

The attack happened at 9pm on April 15 after accounts clerk Miss Lawrence visited the Gora supermarket on the Comberton estate. It was not open but as she returned to her car Ashbery demanded money.

She began screaming when she saw the knife in his hand. There was a bout of pushing and pulling as he grabbed the bag and at one stage she was kicked in the stomach.

Ashbery ran off with the bag when the strap broke. Miss Lawrence got into her car and continued screaming until help arrived.

The bag contained a purse, £25, credit cards and a mobile phone. The following day, Miss Lawrence and her boyfriend saw Ashbery in Kidderminster and followed him.

They noted where he went, told police, and it was discovered that he had tried to sell the phone. He was arrested after being found hiding under his bed.

Graham Henson, defending, said Ashbery, who had several convictions for dishonesty, had now kicked drugs but his behaviour to get money to fund the habit was inexcusable.

Recorder Douglas Readings said it must have been a terrifying experience for Miss Lawrence.