A Sudbury man who “preyed upon” his 79-year-old victim by pushing her aside to steal a handbag has been jailed for two years.

East Anglian Daily Times: Gareth Davies has been jailed for robbing a 79-year-old womanGareth Davies has been jailed for robbing a 79-year-old woman (Image: Archant)

Gareth Davies, 33, of Raleigh Road, pleaded guilty to the robbery, carried out in an alleyway in Market Hill on Saturday, April 5, which left his victim “so distressed she was unable to talk for some time”.

He had been captured on CCTV pushing past his victim, causing her to lose balance, before stealing the handbag from on top of her mobility frame.

Detective Inspector Nick Power from Bury CID said: “Davies preyed on this vulnerable elderly victim, whilst she was walking down an alleyway with her walking frame, making this a particularly despicable crime.

“The victim was understandably very shaken and so distressed from the incident she was unable to talk for some time. Every effort was made to catch this offender as soon as possible and I hope that this sentence goes to show that robbery remains a priority for Suffolk Police and that offenders will be punished for their crimes.”

Davies was sentenced yesterday at Ipswich Crown Court.