Town centre robber jailed after targeting elderly in Dudley
A robber who targeted two elderly men in as many days has been jailed for three years.
Patryk Brzezikski arrived in this country from Poland, where he had previous convictions for robbery, violence and rape, about a year ago, a judge heard.
The 27-year-old came with the intention of finding a job so he could send money to his wife and three children who remained in their homeland, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.
But he could only get work in a car wash which did not pay well, so he turned to crime instead, revealed Mr Michael Anning, defending, who confirmed: "This is was the trigger for his offending."
Brzezikski and an unknown accomplice struck as Michael Gadd walked down Priory Street in Dudley town centre to catch a bus shortly before midnight on May 20, said Ms Caroline Harris, prosecuting.
They went to either side of him and patted his pockets before taking his wallet containing £15 and a small box with his keys and a bus pass inside.
"He was scared, knew he could not defend himself and realised he would be hurt if he tried."
Mr Gadd told later told police: "I have lived for 40 years in Dudley and have never felt unsafe. I am now constantly on edge in a state of paranoia over being targeted late at night when on my own."
Two days later 75-year-old Antonio Leoncini was walking through Dudley town centre along Vicar Street when the two robbers unsuccessfully tried to catch his attention so followed him into an alleyway where one got in front of him while pretending to want to shake his hand.
When Mr Leoncini responded he had his arms pulled behind his back and his wallet, with an unknown amount of money in it, was stolen.
He was shouting for help as they split up and ran off in different directions.
The crew of a passing police car gave chase and arrested Brzezikski in nearby Alma Place while the other man escaped.
The victim said: "I was minding my own business and was targeted because of my age."
The defendant, who was living with an aunt in Wolverhampton Street, Dudley, admitted the two robberies and was jailed by Recorder Peter Ievins who said: "People are entitled to walk through the streets of the town where they live without fear.
"Both victims were elderly and vulnerable so you, and another, decided to take away their sense of peace and security."
Brzezikski was also convicted in his absence by a court in Poland and given a one-year eight-month jail sentence for "brawl and battery" committed on September 4, 2018.
