A man has admitted to robbing a woman in a car park last week after being caught on CCTV.

Justin Brown, of Russell Hill Road, Purley, pleaded guilty to robbery and handling stolen goods at Camberwell Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mr Brown, 40, had approached the woman in a multi-storey car park in Purley on November 18 whilst she was parking her car.

As the 47-year-old victim was walking to leave Mr Brown grabbed her bag. The woman kicked the robber in the shin but she was then pushed over.

She dropped her bag and iPhone and the suspect grabbed them and made off.

He then went to a cashpoint and withdrew £300 from the victim’s account as her PIN card was in her bag.

After viewing CCTV footage, officers could identify the suspect as Justin Brown.

He was arrested on November 19 at his home. Police seized clothing and found other items that were believed to have been stolen during a separate incident including an i-pad, Mr Brown pleaded guilty to robbery and handling stolen goods. He will be sentenced on December 5.

Sergeant Nick Tooher from the Purley SNT said: "This was an opportunist robbery against a woman who was on her way to work.

“Fortunately I recognised Brown from the CCTV footage - despite it not being great quality - and when we went to his address to arrest him, we found clothing that he was wearing when he committed the robbery and other stolen items in his home."

Detective Constable Sandra Wood, from Croydon CID, who investigated the case added: "The victim in this case had her PIN number written down in her bag, so as well as Brown stealing her phone and valuables, he was able to take £300 out of her account.

“It highlights the importance of keeping your PIN separate from your bank cards, and that you should really not have it written down anywhere, as thieves will look to profit."