A year ago, Darren Mulley, who has racked up more than 190 convictions in a 12-year criminal career, told the Echo he had turned his life around thanks to the power of love.
Mulley, of Milburn Street, Millfield, claimed he had kicked his drug habit and was going back into education at City of Sunderland College after falling for Sara Siddiqui, 25, who he met when she worked in a city takeaway.
But Sunderland magistrates heard Mulley, 25, was back to his old ways when he appeared for a string of offences, including snatching the handbag of Gladys Lownie on April 12, while the weary pensioner sat down in the street for a breather.
Prosecutor Glenda Beck said the lady had been walking down St Thomas Street before sitting on the steps of the Benefits Agency office, when she became aware of a man behind her.
"He leant over her and grabbed the handbag," said Mrs Beck. "Which contained her pension book and £80 in cash."
Mulley, who committed the offence while on bail, ran off but was later caught by police.
The bag and contents were recovered from a bin in Frederick Street. Mrs Beck said the incident left the pensioner "shocked and shaken."
Mulley also admitted stealing £18 of pre-packed meat from the Spar shop on Chester Road on January 9; stealing £28 of cot bedding from Nursery Thyme, on Bridge Street, on January 18; and absconding on January 24.
Mulley's raft of previous convictions include resisting police, possessing heroin, burglary and theft.
"It's probably the worst criminal record in Sunderland," said defence solicitor Gerry Armstrong "It's certainly the worst criminal record I've seen in 30 years.
"From a young boy to a young man he has been effectively public enemy number one in Sunderland."
Last year Mr Armstrong told magistrates: "Miracles can happen – a leopard has changed his spots," but this time was more pragmatic.
"Things eventually are starting to slow down, but there's no miracle cure here," he said. "If Darren takes two steps forward but one step back, he's still moving forward."
Mr Armstrong said Mulley had received positive reports from a number of support agencies, and had not realized the lady was a pensioner when he seized the opportunity to grab the handbag from the floor while she was rummaging around in other bags.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing to June 17 for reports on Mulley's suitability for a Drug Treatment and Training Order.