Man charged on gun robbery after Walsall canal arrest
A man suspected of a gunpoint bag-snatch on a woman as she enjoyed a night out with her pregnant daughter has been charged with robbery.
The suspect was held by police after being plucked from a canal by officers 13 hours later.
Luke Ireland is accused of pointing an imitation pistol at the head of a 56-year-old woman outside Pelsall Labour Club on Saturday night before fleeing with her handbag which contained bank cards and around £100.
The 27-year-old, of no fixed address, has also been charged with trying to rob the woman's daughter during the 9.30pm attack, possessing an imitation firearm, and robbing a man in Walsall town centre at 9am the following morning.
He was appearing before magistrates today where he will also hear claims he harassed and attacked his former partner.
It's alleged Ireland assaulted his ex-girlfriend ? not linked to the Labour Club incident ? on March 27 leaving her with facial bruising and, two days later, sent threatening text messages to both her and her mother.
Police were also called to an address in Limehurst Road, Rushall, at 10.30am on Sunday following reports of a disturbance where a man claimed to be in possession of a pistol.
Firearms officers rushed to the scene and were directed towards Rushall Canal by residents where a 27-year-old man was arrested after being plucked from the water.
He was appearing at Walsall Magistrates court today after being charged overnight with two robberies, an attempted robbery, possession of an imitation handgun, assault by beating, criminal damage and two counts of harassment.
