A MAN ‘targeting lone females’ and presenting ‘concerning behaviour’ has been jailed after attempting to steal from a restaurant worker.

Mohamed Albaroudi was “unusually friendly” when he first approached the female member of staff at Rockwater in Poole.

But after ordering food with her at the counter, Albaroudi reached across and “wrapped his hand around her wrist”.

The defendant, 31, tried to snatch the bangle she was wearing and told her: “I want it. I’m taking it. It’s mine.”

Prosecuting in court, Siobhan Lindsay said the woman was able to pull her arm back, but described how she was left with “indentations in her skin”.

Albaroudi then left empty handed, and could be seen laughing as he walked away, the court heart.

At the time of the offence, on September 24, the defendant was on bail having been arrested for a burglary in Bournemouth on September 11. 

He had climbed through a window to gain access to an apartment, before stealing a laptop that had been left on charge by the homeowner.

The defendant appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, December 21, to be sentenced for both incidents.

He pleaded guilty to charges of attempted robbery and burglary dwelling and theft.

The court heard how he committed the offences while subject to a suspended sentence order given for earlier incidents of resisting a police officer, possessing a bladed article, and harassing a lone female.

A probation officer noted it "looks like he is targeting lone females" - a statement Judge Susan Evans KC agreed with. 

Defending, Robert Grey noted his client was seeking asylum in the UK having arrived from Syria within the past two years.

Mr Grey said: “On his arrival he sought asylum and was put up in a hotel, initially in London but then in Bournemouth.

“It seems that he has had a lot of difficult settling in.

“He doesn’t speak English and he hasn’t been able to find work – he’s been spending his day aimlessly.

“He seems to be quite lonely.”

Addressing the defendant, Judge Susan Evans KC said: "I’m concerned you don’t appear to show any real remorse."

Judge Evans KC added: "The only appropriate punishment could be immediate custody."

Albaroudi was sent to prison for 18 months.