Makwana put her purse into a carrier bag and left
Jay Makwana, aged 40, of Erith, south-east London, was sentenced to six years in prison after he robbed an elderly woman in what was described as a “shocking assault”.
Police caught him stealing her purse, which had approximately £200 inside.
On November 9, 2020, Makwana pushed the 81-year-old victim to the ground as she left a bank.
Police were called to the scene in Market Place, Bexleyheath, just before 11 am. They had received reports that a woman had been injured.
They found the woman lying on the ground with facial injuries.
Meanwhile, Makwana pretended to be a good samaritan and waited with her until the police arrived before stealing her purse.
The victim was taken by ambulance to a south London hospital where her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening.
Officers subsequently launched an investigation. They took witness statements and reviewed CCTV in the area.
Footage showed the elderly woman leaving a nearby bank when she was approached by Makwana.
He pushed her to the ground, causing her to hit her head on the pavement.
Makwana then pretended to be a good samaritan and waited with the victim until officers arrived. The woman laid defenceless and spoke to police officers about her fall as Makwana put her purse into a carrier bag and left the scene.
However, footage from an officer’s body-worn camera captured the moment Makwana discreetly snatched the woman’s purse from a newspaper she had hidden it inside.
On November 24, Makwana was arrested. He was subsequently interviewed and charged the following day.
On January 6, 2021, Makwana pleaded guilty to robbery at Woolwich Crown Court.
Sergeant Matt Taylor, of the Met Police’s Burglary Robbery Investigation Team, called the robbery a “truly shocking assault” on a woman targeted just because of her age.
He said:
“This was a truly shocking assault on a woman who was deliberately targeted because of her age and vulnerability.”
“It has had a huge impact on the victim’s life and left her scared to leave home alone.
“I hope the fact that Makwana received a significant custodial sentence will bring her some closure as she continues to come to terms with this terrible ordeal.”
On January 6, 2021, Makwana was sentenced to six years in prison. He was also ordered to pay a £190 victim surcharge.
Loading ...