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West Bridgford
Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Robber who targeted elderly woman jailed

A robber who knocked an elderly woman off her mobility scooter in order to steal her handbag has been jailed.

Drug addict David Swain cycled up to the 72-year-old victim from behind and grabbed the bag before riding away.

The victim, who was going to the shops as part of her daily routine, suffered injuries to her eye, forehead, back, arm and leg after falling into the road in Swiney Way, Toton, at around 12.40pm on 11 August 2022.

Thirty-eight-year-old Swain, of Eskdale Drive, Beeston, was jailed for three years after admitting one charge of robbery and three counts of fraud by false representation at Nottingham Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Georgina Gallagher, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an appalling robbery on an elderly and vulnerable victim who was simply going about her daily business and was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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“Swain was desperate for drugs and picked this lady as an easy target.

“She must have been extremely frightened and the injuries continue to affect her.

“We were determined get justice for the victim and I am pleased Swain has now been locked up, where hopefully he will reflect on his shameful behaviour.”

Detectives have thanked the public for their help in bringing Swain to justice.

The case against him was pieced together through house-house inquiries, which secured vital intelligence, analysing CCTV and a public appeal through the media.

The woman’s bag contained a purse with cash and a bank card. Swain used the card 20 minutes after the robbery took place and continued to use it during the afternoon to pay for items at nearby shops.

He admitted in police interviews to having a £20-a-day heroin addiction but initially denied committing the robbery – claiming the bank card had been found in the street by a friend.

Swain also changed his appearance shortly after the incident – shaving his head and beard – but claimed this was because it had been hot.

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