Drug addict robbers jailed for attack on pensioner

Two drug addicts who robbed a vulnerable 81-year-old woman of her purse as she walked along a Stourbridge street have been locked up.

The woman was walking along The Broadway when she was approached by Dean Huxley and Tara North, Wolverhampton Crown?Court heard.

The pensioner was pushed off balance as her purse containing just £5 and some change was snatched.

Just weeks later, Huxley stole a purse from an 85-year old-woman in Union Street, Stourbridge.

The court heard he laughed as he ran away from the scene.

But the woman quickly called for help and a passing runner chased after 37-year-old Huxley and detained him until the arrival of police.

Judge Martin Walsh branded the crimes "utterly mean and despicable.

In a victim impact statement, the 81-year-old told police the felt utterly distressed after the purse snatch, was now afraid to leave her home and her confidence had suffered.

Huxley, of New Street, Dudley, admitted robbery and theft while 20 year old North, of Stickley Lane, Lower Gornal, pleaded guilty to robbery. She was given two years in custody. Huxley was jailed for three.

The offences were carried out to fuel their drug addiction and the two elderly women were seen as "easy victims", Judge Walsh said.

Mr David Lees, prosecuting, said North had 47 previous offences on her criminal record while Huxley had 39 offences on his.

Miss Samantha Powis, defending North, said she needed help and support to deal with her drug problem.

Mr Malcolm Fowler, who was representing Huxley, said he had been "desperate" for drugs when he committed the offences.