Serial OAP robber targeted woman just months after being freed from jail

A serial thief snatched an elderly woman’s handbag just four months after being released early from prison on licence for robbing another OAP.

John Taylor, 55, of Fulbar Lane, Renfrew, attacked 76- year- old Margaret Brown as she walked along Sandy Road in the town at lunchtime on March 17.

He grabbed her by the arm, pulled her to the ground and stole her handbag and its contents.

The High Court in Glasgow heard yesterday that Taylor had been released from a seven-anda-half year sentence for robbing a 69-year-old woman in November last year after serving five years.

Prosecutor Michael Meehan said: “Mrs Brown had been shopping at Braehead and around 12.30pm she returned to Renfrew town centre

by bus.

“As she was walking along Sandy Road she heard a man’s voice behind her say: ‘Hold on a minute.’

“The accused then grabbed her from behind by taking hold of her right arm and pulled her to the ground.”

The court was told that Taylor grabbed the bag and ran off in the direction of Queen Street.

Two passers- by came to the aid of Mrs Brown. One comforted her and the other, who was in a car, gave chase.

Derek McIntyre followed Taylor to the grounds of Trinity High School and got out of his car and confronted him, saying: “That’s not your bag.”

Taylor dropped the bag and ran off, and Mr McIntyre returned the bag to Mrs Brown.

Nothing appeared to have been taken.

At 1.17pm Taylor phoned Police Scotland and told the operator: “I just want to report I tried to steal a woman’s bag.”

He said he did not have a weapon and did not know what made him do it.

Mrs Brown suffered a bump to her left elbow, which was grazed, but did not any medical or hospital treatment.

Defence counsel Louise Arrol said: “Mr Taylor has a long-standing problem with drugs and his recollection of events is hazy.”

Judge Lord Burns deferred sentence on Taylor for a risk assessment and background reports to be carried out and remanded him in custody.

Lord Burns said: “Given the circumstances when you were on licence and supposed to be undergoing some kind of dr ug problem, I am concerned about the risk you pose to the public.”

Taylor, who has three previous robbery convictions at the High Court, will be sentenced next month.