Mum heard son’s robbery on phone
AHORRIFIED mother listened to her son being robbed after he was attacked in the street while they chatted on the phone.
The mother heard her son being beaten up, threatened and abused and taken to a cash machine after their mobile call stayed connected.
But Swansea Crown Court heard the hysterical mum had the presence of mind to call 999 from her landline, and give police a running commentary on what was happening – including where her son was being taken.
Police were then able to swoop on the mugger and his victim and make an arrest.
Dean Hockridge, of Geiriol Road, Townhill, Swansea, had previously pleaded guilty to robbery when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.
Stephen Rees, for the prosecution, said the victim was chatting to his mother on the phone as he walked home to Hafod from the Quadrant just before midnight on September 11.
As he passed High Street railway station he became aware of somebody behind him. The court heard he turned into Prince of Wales Road to see if the person followed – which he did.
Hockridge then shouted out and asked the victim for a light – when the man turned around he was punched forcefully in the face, and knocked to the ground. The prosecutor said Hockridge took his shirt off and began demanding money.
The victim offered Hockridge what spare change he had, but the attacker demanded more.
Mr Rees said the victim managed to get to his feet and say to his mother on the phone – in Welsh – “I am scared, I love you, Mum.”
Hockridge then led his victim back to the station to use the cash machine – but his victim managed to keep the call connected to his mother.
Judge Geraint Walters told Hockridge: “It seems you are a very real danger to the public.”
Hockridge was sentenced to six years in prison and made the subject of a five-year extended licence.