A man who robbed an elderly married couple as they walked home after a morning out in Westbourne has been jailed for six years.
Emmett Downes, 39 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced on Thursday 21 June 2018 at Bournemouth Crown Court after pleading guilty to robbery.
The incident happened at around 1.15pm on Saturday 19 May 2018 as the two victims, a man and a woman both aged 77, were walking arm in arm along Pine Tree Glen.
Downes approached the couple from behind and shoved them in an attempt to steal a brown bag the male victim was carrying. When this failed, Downes grabbed hold of the white handbag in the male victim’s right hand, causing the couple to fall to the ground. Downes then fled the scene on a bicycle.
As a result of the robbery, the male victim sustained a serious injury to his face. In addition, his wife suffered a mild heart attack. Both were taken to hospital.
Downes was arrested after he was identified following a Dorset Police CCTV appeal. The incident itself was not captured.
Detective Sergeant Andy Haworth, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a despicable crime on an elderly couple who had simply been out walking through Westbourne.
“A full and detailed investigation took place and we were able to identify and bring Downes before the courts. I want to thank everyone who responded to our CCTV appeal.
“The incident has obviously left the victims very upset and distressed and, although nothing will ever compensate for what they have been through, I hope that them knowing Downes is now behind bars for a considerable time will help them to move on in the knowledge he won’t be able to harm or target anyone else.”
