Robber who left pensioner with blood running down his face loses bid to cut prison time
A drug addict from Walsall who robbed a dementia-suffering pensioner, leaving him with 'blood running down' his face, had an appeal to cut his 10 year jail sentence refused.
Craig Andrew Powis, aged 30, of Darlaston Road, Pleck and two other addicts targeted the 86-year-old man 'who lived alone and was highly vulnerable in order to rob him to buy drugs' in October 2013.
Kerry Wilkes, 32, knew of the victim and got access to his flat in Walsall in October 2013 before letting in Powis and Wilfred Clarke, 33.
They beat their elderly victim around the head and searched his clothes and home, causing 'a great deal of upset and physical injury', London's Appeal Court heard.
After being robbed of his wallet, the pensioner was seen by neighbours with 'blood running down his face', looking distressed and bewildered, said Judge Jeremy Carey.
He has recovered from his injuries but his dementia was 'made worse as a result of the trauma of this incident', added the judge.
Each of the three robbers 'sought to minimise their involvement' in the cruel crime, but the judge who jailed them said they were 'jointly responsible'.
They were all jailed at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 3 after admitting robbery.
Wilkes, of Roebuck Glade, Willenhall, was locked up for nine years, while Clarke, from Sheridan Street, Walsall, received an eight-year term.
Powis' lawyers today tried to convince Judge Carey that his his 10-year jail term was far too tough.
But the judge, sitting with Lady Justice Sharp and Mr Justice Warby, said: "This was a severe sentence, but justly so.
"This was a very grave offence. The sentence was not arguably manifestly excessive."
The appeal was dismissed.
