Prison for man who attacked and robbed Alzheimer’s sufferer

ASSAULT: OAP, 82, was pushed to the ground from behind on Dundee street

A man who pushed an 82-year-old with Alzheimer’s to the ground before robbing him in Dundee has been jailed for 14 months.

David Cahill, of Laing Place, Dundee, admitted attacking the pensioner on Arklay Street on September 1.

The elderly man was on his way home from takeaway Mr Chippy when Cahill, 40, pushed him from behind.

The attack knocked him to the pavement before Cahill grabbed his wallet and stole £90 in cash.

At Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday, defence solicitor Jim Laverty told the court his client was “ashamed” and “disgusted” with his behaviour.

“His feelings of shame I would submit are in fact genuine. He has always indicated to me that he deserves to be punished,” he said.

He added that Cahill “has had difficulties in his early life” and is receiving treatment for drug addiction and mental health issues.

“Nonetheless, he acknowledges that no matter what his problems are, this

“This offence is quite frankly appalling... and if he could turn the clock back, he would do that. DEFENCE SOLICITOR JIM LAVERTY

offence is quite frankly appalling, meanspirited, and if he could turn the clock back, he would do that,” he said.

“He has various previous convictions although very few are of a violent nature and he has never appeared on petition before.

“My understanding is that this was nothing other than impulsive. Mr Cahill indicates that there was no planning.”

The court previously heard the pensioner is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s but still has some independence.

He kept a piece of paper with his name and address written on it in his wallet in case his memory fails.

He did not see his attacker and managed to make his way home afterwards where he alerted carers via a cord in his house which triggers an alarm.

Police then looked at CCTV footage which helped identify Cahill.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-brown sentenced Cahill to 14 months imprisonment, reduced from 21 months, with a supervision release order for a period of six months once he is freed.

She said: “As you have recognised, a custodial sentence is appropriate, particularly because it was of a violent nature and against a vulnerable person.

“There appears to be a substance abuse issue although as you have recognised, that is no excuse.”

His sentence was backdated to September 3.