Scumbag Who Snatched Pensioner's Handbag Sentenced

A “vicious” mugger, who stalked an 84 year-old pensioner and her 52 year-old daughter – dragging the older woman to the ground to snatch £2,500 – has been locked-up.

Moses Blackwood, 22, of Sunnyhill Road, Streatham, who had followed the pair from a bank, punched and kicked the daughter and pushed her to the ground when she intervened.

He was jailed for four years and eight months at Croydon Crown court for robbery and assault with intent to commit robbery.

Both victims were in a Streatham High Road bank, where Blackwood watched the mother withdraw £5,000 cash and divide it with her daughter.

He followed them along Streatham High Road and onto a bus.

He got off the bus with them and followed them to a supermarket in Green Lane, Thornton Heath.

As they approached their home Blackwood suddenly pounced and snatched the older lady's handbag, dragging her to the ground.

Her daughter also ended up on the ground when Blackwood punched and kicked her.

Detectives in Croydon quickly launched an investigation and gathered CCTV footage of the attack and the route the suspect took before the robbery.

Blackwood contacted the police to say that he had been a victim of crime and forced to commit the robbery.

He attended Brixton Police station, where he was arrested.

Blackwood's claim that he committed the robbery under duress was dismissed by the judge who described it as a pack of lies concocted to avoid justice.

PC Steve Keahey, of Croydon CID, said: "This was a vicious attack on two women on their own doorstep, which has had a significant impact on their lives since.

"Blackwood observed the victims for some time and followed them a considerable distance to commit this appalling offence.

“I hope this sentence result brings some measure of comfort and a feeling of justice for the victims.

"Although incidents with this level of violence are rare, I would encourage anyone who withdraws large amounts of cash from banks to be aware of their surroundings and if they see anyone acting suspiciously or paying close attention to them, to go with their instinct and call police.

“Your call could be vital to preventing someone else being followed and robbed."