A “cowardly” teenager who robbed a woman in Islington has been sentenced to 10 months in a young offenders institution.

Shaquille Cameron, 19, of no fixed abode, was arrested on the evening of Tuesday, July 28 after being chased and detained by members of the public. He had taken a 36-year-old woman’s bag.

The woman had walked past Cameron on Rector Street. He then approached her from behind and pulled on her bag. The woman held onto it and a struggle ensued, before Cameron eventually ran off with the bag.

She chased Cameron, shouting at him. This alerted passers-by, who also pursued him. He was detained by a number of men in Coleman Fields, where officers arrested and handcuffed him after a brief struggle.

The bag was recovered from a litter bin but a mobile phone, money and cards were missing. These items were found on Cameron after being searched.

He was sentenced on Monday, September 7 at Blackfriars Crown Court, having pleaded guilty to one count of robbery on Thursday, August 13.

Investigating officer, PC Solomos Solomou from Islington Borough, said: “This was a cowardly attack on a lone female so I am happy that Cameron has been detained.

“I would like to thank the members of the public who came to the victim’s aid and those who managed to stop him prior to police arrival: a good demonstration of public spirit.”