A MAN jailed for snatching a 90-year-old’s handbag has died less than a month after being sentenced.

Sheldon Woodford, who was sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars less than a month ago at Bournemouth Crown Court, was found unresponsive in his cell in HMP Winchester on Monday, March 9.

He died on Thursday in hospital.

A spokesperson from the Prison Service yesterday said: “HMP Winchester prisoner Sheldon Woodford died in hospital at 2.10pm on Thursday March 12.

“Every death in custody is a tragedy and, as with all deaths, there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

Woodford’s family have been informed of his death, the spokesperson confirmed.

He was known to be a vulnerable prisoner, and suffered with mental health issues.

Staff at the prison were aware he was “at risk”, and he was being monitored.

At the sentencing in February, the court was told Woodford, of no fixed abode, “appeared to be crying” after he robbed Betty Aldworth on the morning of December 29 last year in Michelgrove Road.

He dropped the handbag nearby before escaping.

Dorset Police issued CCTV images, and Woodford was identified by his mother.

A judge heard that he was “ashamed” of his actions during the incident, committed when he was addicted to a ‘legal high’ called Clockwork Orange.

Les Smith, mitigating for him in court, said Woodford had been caring for his partner and his child, who required his support following complications during the pregnancy, as well as his mother-in-law.

“In the words of his own mother, it all got too much for him,” Mr Smith said.

Brother Thomas Woodford took to Facebook to pay tribute to the 24-year-old, writing: “We love you so much.”

An inquest is due to be opened at adjourned at Winchester Coroners’ Court next week.