A
violent mugger, who dragged his octogenarian victim off a bus and to
the ground as he snatched £1,500 cash, was jailed for seven years
yesterday.
John
O'Rourke, 41, (pictured) of Lytham Close, Thamesmead pounced on the
82 year-old victim – who died two months later – as they
travelled on a number 53 bus towards Plumstead on September 9, last
year.
He
pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court,
which also ruled he should spend an additional five years on licence
when he is released.
They
both boarded the bus in Woolwich New Road and sat on the lower deck,
where O'Rourke sneaked up on the victim from behind and tried to put
his hand inside the pensioner's shirt pocket.
The
victim reacted and tried to prevent O'Rourke from stealing his money,
resulting in a struggle and the defendant dragging the man off the
bus and onto the ground.
Members
of the public, who came to his aid, were told by O'Rourke that he was
just "helping the victim".
The
pensioner was dragged to Waverley Crescent, Plumstead where O'Rourke
stole his wallet and left him on the ground.
Following
the robbery officers conducted a number of CCTV enquiries and
identified footage of the incident.
Greenwich
Borough PCSO Pan Psarias - a super-recogniser, who is highly skilled
in recalling faces and details - viewed the footage and immediately
recognised O'Rourke.
A
warrant was executed at his home address and a pair of shoes
identical to those O'Rourke can be seen wearing in the CCTV footage
was found.
Detective
Constable Stephanie Walker, of Greenwich Borough police, said:
"O'Rourke targeted a vulnerable, frail man and did not care
about the hurt or fright he caused him.
“He
subjected the victim to a prolonged attack and did not stop until he
finally stole his cash.
“Sadly
the victim died just two months later and whilst there are no links
between his death and the robbery, I have witnessed first hand the
damage caused by this crime and how it affected the victim's
confidence."
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