A WOMAN who walked into a sheltered housing complex and stole a purse from an elderly resident as she watched helplessly has been jailed.

Lisa Ryback was sentenced to eight months in prison for the callous robbery at the Maxwell Court complex, in Musselburgh at the weekend.

She appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to stealing the purse from the woman.

Police said Ryback, 38, visited the complex, in Campie Lane, on Saturday and began trying door handles to find unlocked properties.

She entered a flat that was occupied and stole the purse right in front of the elderly victim.
Local officers carried out a robust investigation and Ryback was arrested on Monday.

She appeared on court on Tuesday and was jailed.
Inspector Andrew Harborow from Tranent Police Station said: "This theft was as brazen as it was despicable and had a significant impact on the elderly victim.
"Lisa Ryback will now spend several months in prison for this crime and I would like to reassure our communities that we will not tolerate acquisitive crime in any form.
"If you witness an offence of this nature or would like to report any such incident then please contact police immediately."