When it comes to understanding why a handbag is so important to a woman, men have always been at something of a loss.

Rather than considering the contents to be valuable and essential, men have traditionally dismissed most items as unnecessary for everyday life.

But now a female judge has leapt to the defence of the humble handbag, after a barrister suggested having one stolen was merely a crime of "inconvenience".

Dismissing his claims, Her Honour Judge Zoe Smith, said the victim was often left suffering from stress, anxiety and fear, adding that the crime should not be trivialised.