A “predatory” couple, who battered a 90 year-old dementia-suffering OAP to the floor, snatching his wallet containing £350, have each been jailed for four years.
The prostitute and her boyfriend, who have lengthy criminal records, tried to lie their way out of trouble by claiming the victim was looking for early-morning sex at 7.00am.
Sophie McDonnell, 34 and Delaney Foster, 35, were convicted by a jury of robbing Montserrat-born John Buffong on the fourth-floor of his block, Hughenden House, Jerome Cresent, Lisson Grove, near Regent’s Park.
The pair were caught on CCTV at the block on November 22, last year and their images released to the public during the police hunt.
As well as the cash the pair also took Mr. Buffong’s bank card and Post Office card, Southwark Crown Court heard.
Months later, when asked about the sex claim Mr. Buffong told police: “I was not looking for sex, I’m ninety-one now. I’ve never had sex with this woman, everything she says is a lie. I don’t owe her any money.”
Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bradshaw, of Westminster CID said: “This was a horrible crime in which the elderly victim was attacked and robbed of his pension money.
“Luckily he sustained no injuries, but he was left badly shaken by the ordeal. This was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable man who was unable to defend himself.
“Thankfully the two predatory criminals responsible have been brought to justice.
“This was a direct result of the public appeal, which furnished the information we needed.
“I would like to personally thank the public and the media for their support. This case shows what can be achieved by the police and community working together.”
Mr. Buffong routinely left his fourth-floor flat to buy the daily newspapers at around 7.00am everyday.
 |
| Caught On CCTV McDonnell & Foster |
He told police: “Two people suddenly approached from behind me and started hitting me around the back of my head with their hands.
“They pushed me to the ground outside the lift and the female took my wallet.”
He heard her shout: “Let’s go,” to her hooded male black accomplice and the pair fled.
Prosecutor Mr. Philip Levy told the jury: “The issue in this case is wether there was robbery or not. It’s slightly unusual in that the complainant, who was robbed, is not in a fit state to give evidence.
“He says he was robbed and was robbed by these two.
‘Mr. Buffong was suffering from dementia, not very severe dementia. He was able to look after himself, but had some problems with memory.”
Neighbour Robert Abdul, who Mr. Buffong was due to have his regular breakfast with that morning and his sister-in-law keep an eye on him.
The defendants were caught on CCTV entering the block’s lift at 7.09 am and leaving at 7.15am.
“The question is what were they up to?” asked Mr. Levy. “They say she is a sex worker, and she is a sex worker, don’t hold that against her.
“She went up to offer her services and there was some sort of altercation and Mr. Buffong became upset and there was no robbery.”
McDonnell was questioned by police last April. “She claimed he was a punter and she was offering sexual services.
“However, Mr. Buffong is adamant: ‘I don’t need a sex worker at my age,’ he said.
“They probably saw this man going everyday for his newspaper and he was an obvious target.
“That it was something to do with sex at seven am in the morning, you may think is unrealistic.”
The jury was told McDonnell, of Hillersden House, Ebury Bridge Road, Pimlico had “many convictions for dishonesty.”
Mr. Levy said she was arrested in April this year after approaching a male passer-by and offering sex. “While They were talking she grabbed his wallet from his coat pocket and ran off.
‘This is someone who uses her prostitution for theft.”
No comments:
Post a Comment