A man who robbed a pensioner on a Bournemouth street has been jailed for three years and four months.
Andrew Carmichael, 39 and of Campbell Road in Bournemouth, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 5 October 2018 after pleading guilty to robbery.
Dorset Police received a report that an 81-year-old man had his wallet stolen when he was by the bus stop in Gervis Place opposite NatWest bank. The incident happened at around 12.30pm on Friday 7 September 2018.
Carmichael approached the victim, stole a wallet from his pocket and pushed him over. This caused the victim to fall on the ground before Carmichael made off. The victim sustained a minor injury to his head.
A number of people witnessed the incident and around five people chased after Carmichael. He was stopped by the members of the public and the wallet belonging to the victim was discovered stuffed down his waistband.
He was detained until officers arrived at the scene a short time later and was arrested.
Detective Constable Honor McAdam, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a despicable act. Carmichael targeted a vulnerable elderly man for his own gain and it is thanks to the quick-thinking members of the public who stopped him that we were able to bring him swiftly to justice. I would like to praise all those involved for assisting in his apprehension.
“Dorset Police will not tolerate violent offences of this nature and I hope this case demonstrates that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
