A WOMAN pushed a frail 83-year-old to the floor after robbing her in her own home.

Ruby Ventham pushed her victim to the ground after grabbing her handbag, a court heard.

The 27-year-old ran out of the woman's bungalow in Belmond Road, Chandler's Ford making off with store cards, debit cards and around £80 in cash.

Ventham had gone to her home on November 28 last year where she had asked to use the toilet – which her victim initially refused.

Insisting she was "desperate" she was then let into the woman's home.

Prosecution barrister, William Saunders told how she went into two bedrooms and then the sitting room where she "proceeded to rifle through items".

After grabbing the woman's navy handbag there was a tussle.

When Ventham pushed past her elderly victim who uses a stick to walk she fell to the floor and onto her stomach, Mr Saunders added.

Ventham was arrested nearby and gave a no comment interview.

A victim impact statement read out in court said how the woman was left in shock and now feels afraid answer her front door.

However, she said: "I have faith in the criminal justice system and hope that no one else will be the victim of this girl again."

Ventham, of Cox Row, Chandler's Ford appeared before Southampton Crown Court on Monday where she pleaded guilty to a single count of robbery.

She has a string of convictions to her name which include shoplifting and battery.

Last summer, she targeted supermarkets and residents during a campaign of thefts and scams.

Raiding stores across Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford she stole alcohol and USB memory sticks worth around £515.

Defending, Gaylene Coles told how her client has struggled to overcome addictions to crack cocaine and heroin for all of her adult life.

Ms Coles said that Ventham had expressed her remorse and was very ashamed of her actions.

Judge Peter Henry jailed her for four years.