Mum held son after assault on victim, 77

AHOODLUM was apprehended by his own mother after he pushed an OAP over and stole his wallet in Runcorn.

Callum Quirk, 19, of HMP Hindley, shoved 77-year-old Edwin Gibson to the ground in woods near Charlton Close, Palacefields, at around 5pm on Sunday, October 30, last year.

Neil Bisarya, prosecuting, told Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday that Mr Gibson, who was heading home for dinner after drinking at The Tricorn pub, stood up and chased Quirk to his girlfriend Kelly Randles’s flat on The Knoll and banged on the door shouting ‘the b***ards robbed me’.

Cullum Quirk’s mother Nicola Quirk and his aunt Lisa Quirk arrived and offered Mr Gibson a lift home but he declined.

The defendant vaulted into view over a fence only to be grabbed and restrained by his mum until police arrived.

His mother held him because he was wanted over another matter, the court heard, and she had no idea about the incident with Mr Gibson.

Police arrived and the court heard they saw a third defendant Adam Watson running away.

Officers pursued and found Mr Gibson’s bank card on the ground.

Forensic tests could neither prove nor rule out that DNA on the card belonged to Randles.

Randles gave ‘no comment’ in interview but later claimed she had tried to help Mr Gibson.

The card was not used by anyone after being stolen.

Quirk, Randles and Watson, 21, of Lapwing Grove, were charged with robbery.

Although due to be tried on Tuesday, Watson was absent and Recorder Anthony O’Donohoe queried the prosecution case, prompting legal discussions.

As alternative charges to robbery, Quirk admitted assault and theft by finding on the basis the wallet fell from the victim’s pocket when pushed.

Randles pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

Watson was due to be tried yesterday in his absence if he did not attend. He denied robbery. Mr Bisarya said Quirk had 24 convictions for 44 offences spanning shoplifting, battery, burglary, non-dwelling theft, disorderly behaviour, motoring matters, dishonesty and blade possession.

Randles had cautions but no convictions.

Jeremy Rawson, defending Quirk, appealed for any sentence not to add to his existing incarceration.

He said his client had spent time in care and had experienced drug issues.

Mark Shanks, defending Randles, said her handling of the card was ‘limited to simply picking it up’

She had also moved to Cunningham House, Weston Point, and was engaging with drug services and taking ‘steps to turn her life around’.

The court heard that Quirk’s mother and aunt’s actions showed he had family support to help him to reform.

Recorder Anthony O’Donohoe, presiding, sentenced Quirk to four months in prison to run alongside his existing term for burglary and vehicle theft, meaning Quirk will be released for all offences in February 2018.

The judge also imposed restraining orders not to contact Mr Gibson, who had been ‘pestered’.

Randles received a sixweek community order with a 7pm-7am curfew.

Sentencing Quirk, he said: “The witness in this case Mr Edwin Gibson was going about his lawful business.

“He had gone to his local pub for a drink in the afternoon and was making his way home reading the papers to his evening meal with his son.

“And that journey took him to a wooded area not far from the address.

“He was set upon, a 77-year-old man was knocked to the ground, his wallet fell out and was taken and was taken by you Quirk and the bank card was handled by you Kelly Randles.”

He added: “Had you been dealt with for robbery the position would be entirely different.” ● Callum Quirk, right, was chased by victim Edwin Gibson after he was pushed to the ground. Quirk was held by his mother until police arrived .