Granny bag snatcher ‘sorry’
A GUTSY Gold Coast granny who chased down a would-be robber suffered fractured ribs after tackling the thief to the ground, a court has heard.
The 55-year-old woman chased down Troy Charles Bennett, who had moments earlier pushed her to the chest and snatched her handbag at Pimpama Tavern on January 19, 2021.
The Southport District Court heard on Tuesday Bennett, 43, was of the mistaken belief that the woman had taken money from his gaming machine and he was taking “matters into his own hands”.
Bennett was sentenced to 18 months jail with immediate parole after pleading guilty to attempted robbery.
Judge Rowan Jackson QC described the conduct as “bizarre” and “odd behaviour”.
“You reached an incorrect belief as to the complainant having helped herself to some of your money,” he said.
The court heard Bennett approached the woman but she denied playing his machine. An hour later he followed her into the woman’s bathroom, pushing a toilet door open and saying “I want my money”.
“She replied that she only had the $40 in the machine,” Judge Jackson said. “You said ‘give me the $40 and we’ll call it quits’. She told you to get lost.”
The court was told the woman went for a cigarette outside when Bennett approached her.
He at first apologised, before pushing her in the chest, and grabbing her bag.
The woman ran him down, pulling him to the ground.
Bennett managed to get upright and dragged the woman along the concrete.
The court heard she suffered bruising, abrasions, and
fractured ribs from the ordeal.
“The offence is a serious offence,” Judge Jackson said.
“You caused injuries to the
complainant. You should be thoroughly ashamed with yourself really.”
Bennett was tracked down by security footage of the incident. He told police of his belief, and that after failing to get the money back, took “matters into his own hands”.
The court heard he had written a letter of apology to the victim.
Defence barrister James McNab, instructed by Brooke Winters Solicitors, said the offending was not premeditated.
He told the court Bennett had an issue with alcohol, particularly in the last decade.
Mr McNab said his client had “lessened his alcohol intake” but still had a long way to go, and would be assisted by parole services.