Man jailed after street robbery of woman, 95

A 96-YEAR-OLD woman is “nervous of leaving her front door” after her purse was snatched in a street robbery.

Priscilla Welch, who was 95 at the time of the incident, was near her home in Grangetown, Cardiff, on February 23 when she was pushed from behind by a man who took her purse.

The assailant, David Lewis, 29, was later caught by police after they recognised him from CCTV footage and he was subsequently arrested and admitted robbery.

In a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday, prosecutor Julian Greenwood read out a short victim personal statement from Ms Welch.

She said: “I have lived in Grangetown for a long time and the Taffs Mead Embankment has been a nice place to live for me. Over the years it’s deteriorated but not to the point where I would want to leave.

“This incident has affected me and I am slightly nervous leaving my front door now because I am concerned this may happen again. I am not one to make a fuss about things but it does play on your mind.

“My daughter often takes me out shopping and I wouldn’t want this to happen to her either.”

Stephen Thomas, mitigating, said Lewis had been a heroin addict for a number of years and was under the influence of the drug when he carried out the offence.

Mr Thomas said: “There was certainly no planning involved. It is implied he had been taking drugs and was desperate for heroin and saw the chance. He didn’t mean to hurt the elderly lady and the force used was minimal.

“She didn’t suffer any physical injuries but clearly she was upset and he is sorry for that. He’s now in custody and is drug-free.

“He now tells me is ashamed of this incident.”

Sentencing, Recorder Timothy Brennan QC said: “This was a compulsive offence committed at a time when you were in the grips of a drug habit and while under the influence of drugs. The reason you stole the purse was to buy more drugs.

“It’s a very serious offence and you have got a very bad record for offences of robbery and domestic burglary.”

Lewis, of Tre Beferad, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan , was sentenced to a total of two years and four months’ imprisonment. deeply