A courageous "have a go" hero who wrestled a handbag back from a mugger was praised by a crown court judge.

Judge Julian Hall recommended that Benjamin Tucker was awarded a High Sheriff's Award of £250 after he chased and tackled 44-year-old Elvis Springer, a serial criminal who robbed a woman walking from Oxford railway station in October last year.

Mr Tucker, 22, formerly of Oxford but now living in Swiss Cottage, London, has also been nominated for a police award for his actions.

Judge Hall told Oxford Crown Court that Mr Tucker had behaved with "complete, if instinctive, courage".

The court heard that Springer, who was on a bike, grabbed 30-year-old Priyanka Sharma's handbag as she walked in Roger Dudman Way, off Botley Road, at 8.30pm on October 8.

Prosecutor Jane Brady said Mr Tucker saw Springer escaping, gave chase and caught up with him. He grabbed the handbag back from Springer, who then hit him over the head with his bike's D-lock and pedalled away.

Springer, of Clark's Row, Oxford, was arrested on October 11 and denied being involved in a robbery.

But Mrs Brady said he was picked out by Mr Tucker in an identity parade and when he appeared in court, admitted one count of robbery and another of assault with intent to rob.

Rachel Drake, defending Springer, who served a 14-year sentence for armed robbery, said he had been suffering from depression and a personality disorder, for which he was receiving treatment.

Judge Hall told Springer he was jailing him for 20 months for the protection of the public.