Man jailed for “despicable” robbery on disabled man

A robber who dragged a disabled man out of his wheelchair and into the road in a bid to steal his bag has been jailed.

James Smith, 43, targeted his victim in Broadway, Peterborough, at shortly before 2am on 13 August.

The 66-year-old victim was moving slowly through the city centre when he was spotted by Smith who was smoking outside MERKUR Slots casino.

Smith began talking to the victim and leaned into his wheelchair before trying to grab his shoulder bag. The victim pulled away and the force tipped up his wheelchair, causing him to fall back onto the pavement.

Smith continued to try to grab the bag and dragged the victim across the pavement and into the road.

Despite the victim’s brave attempts to resist, Smith stole the bag and returned to the casino. Later that morning, the victim’s bank cards were used in a local shop.

Left in the road, the victim was helped by a group of men who had witnessed what happened.

Smith, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to robbery at Cambridge Crown Court on 6 November and was sentenced to four years and three months in prison.

DC George Corney said: “This was a despicable and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable person who would have been terrified.

“I hope Smith being brought to justice brings some comfort to the victim who endured such a dreadful experience at his hands.”