A robber targeted a vulnerable man as they both queued up at a Nottingham Post Office counter before violently attacking him as he walked home.
Ricky Norman followed the 60-year-old victim who had withdrawn cash from the Gregory Boulevard Post Office to pay his bills and buy food.
As the man was heading along Palin Street in Hyson Green he was grabbed by Norman who demanded his bag.
Norman then head-butted him several times and threatened to stab him unless he handed his bag over which he did.
No knife was seen during the incident, which happened in broad daylight at around midday on 12 March 2021, but the victim suffered pain and reddening to his face and was left badly shaken.
Following enquiries Norman, of no fixed address, was arrested by Operation Reacher officers as they carried out proactive patrols in the city.
He was subsequently charged and yesterday (Thursday 22 April 2021) he was jailed for four years at Nottingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to a charge of robbery.
Detective Constable Laura McCullough, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a frightening incident for the victim who was extremely fearful for his life at the time.
“In the moment he genuinely believed Norman would stab him if he didn’t hand over his bag.
“Norman’s despicable actions have had a significant impact on the victim who had gone into the Post Office that day thinking he would be in a safe place to withdraw his money rather than using a cash machine on the street.
“Instead he was deliberately targeted by Norman who saw him withdrawing his cash, followed him after he had left and then violently attacked him.
“Norman is clearly a dangerous individual so I’m pleased he’s now safely behind bars and I hope his prison sentence brings some comfort to the victim after his terrifying ordeal.
“I also hope his sentence reassures people that Nottinghamshire Police takes reports of robbery very seriously and continues to work hard to bring violent offenders in our communities to justice.”
