A would-be pickpocket from Ilford who was caught trying to steal from a woman’s handbag has been jailed.

Nicusor Iordache, 42, of Forsythia Close, was sentenced to nine months and six weeks in prison at Blackfriars Crown Court on Tuesday.

He pleaded guilty to attempted theft and failing to comply with licence conditions following a previous prison sentence.

At around 3pm, Iordache was caught trying to steal from a woman’s handbag at Monument underground station.

A British Transport Police spokesman said a plain clothed officer was patrolling Tower Hill station and saw Iordache “loitering” in the booking hall and watching customers queuing at ticket machines.

He was then seen following a woman with her handbag open through the ticket barriers and onto a train.

A spokesman said: “The officer followed the pair and arrested Iordache at Monument station after he saw Iordache put his hand into the victim’s bag.”

Investigating officer PC Alban Barnes said BTP’s pickpocket officers were “the best in the world”.

He advised people zip up bags, keep jewellery, mobile phones and MP3 players hidden and stay alert.