Rotherham: Troy Wildin jailed for snatching disabled woman's handbag

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Convicted robber Troy WildinImage source, South Yorkshire Police
Image caption,

Troy Wildin targeted an 82-year-old woman in a wheelchair at a cash machine

A man's attempt to steal a disabled 82-year-old woman's handbag was thwarted by passers-by who came to her aid, police have said.

Troy Wildin, 21, targeted his victim - who was in a wheelchair - and her daughter as they used a cash machine in Rotherham on 25 November 2023.

On Tuesday, at Sheffield Crown Court, Wildin, of no fixed address, was jailed for three years and four months.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to a charge of attempted robbery.

Wildin grabbed his victim's handbag and attempted to flee but found his path was blocked, the court heard.

Cruel robbery

The robbery was witnessed by other shoppers who chased after Wildin and detained him until police arrived.

The victim was reunited with her bag and its contents, said South Yorkshire Police.

After the hearing, Det Con Megan Byne said: "This was a cruel robbery where Wildin chose to target an elderly woman.

"I'd like to thank those quick-thinking witnesses and security guards who intervened to detain Wildin.

"I hope that this sentence offers reassurance to the victim and she is able to move on from the ordeal."

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