Jailed, addict who robbed pensioner twice within days
COWARDLY THIEF BROKE SHOULDER OF DEFENCELESS ANNE, 76
A CRACK addict who robbed a 76-year-old woman twice in the same spot in the space of two weeks has been jailed for more than seven years.
Lee Davenport, 39, followed Anne Willis after the pensioner had left Sainsbury’s in Hazel Grove. In the first robbery Davenport said ‘give me your bag or I’ll stab you,’ grabbing a bag which contained a birthday card and present for her great-nephew.
He quickly withdrew £300 from her bank account, and later used a receipt to get a refund for £15 on Mrs Willis’ shopping.
In the second, less than two weeks later, Davenport again grabbed her bag this time causing her to fall. He stole £10.
Widowed Mrs Willis broke her shoulder in the process, and had to be moved into a nursing home.
A judge said: “These were shocking and deeply unpleasant offences.”
Mrs Willis’ brother told the court that she had ‘lost all her confidence’ following the first robbery, but had started to go out again after being reassured by police and her family.
“I regret giving Anne the reassurance that this was a one-off and isolated incident that could have happened to anybody,” David Carter said in a statement read by prosecutors.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the thought of having to give evidence had increased Mrs Willis’ blood pressure, and she was at risk of having a stroke.
Davenport only pleaded guilty to the two robberies on the day of a proposed trial. He had refused to leave his cell for previous hearings.
Mrs Willis is expected to return home shortly with the assistance of carers.
After her ordeal, kindhearted neighbours and well-wishers helped raise more than £1,000 for Mrs Willis, which she said she planned on using to pay for a holiday in Wales with a friend.
She was also invited to nearby Dial Park Primary School, where she was given cards and flowers. Following the robberies, Davenport’s own brother identified him from footage posted onto a Facebook page. A Sainsbury’s security guard also recognised him. Police searched his home and found Mrs Willis’ Nectar card, two Sainsbury’s receipts and the note
Angela Butler, the victim’s niece of her PIN number.
When interviewed by police, Davenport denied any involvement.
Mrs Willis picked out Davenport ‘straight away’ in a video identification procedure. She ‘flinched’ when she saw him, the court heard.
Davenport has 35 previous convictions, for 130 offences. Of those, 106 relate to offences of theft or similar, Mr Evans said.
Defending, Peter Malone said Davenport ‘deeply regrets’ his behaviour and is ‘remorseful.’
Davenport, of Mount Pleasant, Hazel Grove, was jailed for seven years and two months.
He was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation.
Mrs Willis’ niece Angela Butler said: “He (Davenport) is scum.
“How would he have felt if somebody had done that to his nana or mum? I can’t understand what goes through these peoples’ minds.”