Teenager tried to steal woman's bag only to discover she was a policewoman

Britain: A teenager was left looking red-faced after attempting to steal a woman's bag - only to discover she was an off-duty policewoman.

The woman was on a night out in Huddersfield with a colleague when she felt Mavahiv Sharif attempt to grab her bag.

She looked round to see Sharif trying to pull the bag and a “tug of war” ensued between them as she tried to keep hold of it.

Her friend came to her assistance and Sharif was told to remain where he was while the police were contacted.

However, after being detained nearby he then grabbed the victim's left buttock and squeezed it during the incident on September 4, the Huddersfield Daily Examiner reported.

A uniformed officer then arrived and arrested Sharif who said: “I’ve done nothing wrong," before making a disparaging remark against women.

Michael Sisson-Pell representing Sharif said he was a very immature 18-year-old who had treated the matter as a joke that night and not appreciated the seriousness of what he was doing.

“It was a student night. He thought he was being mischievous when he grabbed her in the way he did.”

He was from a law-abiding family who confirmed he had acted totally out of character. He hoped to study for accountancy exams if given the opportunity.

Sharif, 18 of Paddock, admitted attempted robbery and sexual assault and was given a 12 month community order with 200 hours unpaid work, 30 days activity requirement and to pay £340 costs.

Judge Guy Kearl QC described him as “an immature boy” who had a choice to make for his future.

“You come from a law abiding family, your grandfather was a bus driver, of his children two are solicitors, one works for British Airways and one has worked for the council for more than 25 years. You are to study for accountancy exams and will have to mature before you do that.”