Swindon man imprisoned after attacking and robbing 87-year-old

A Swindon man has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years imprisonment following a robbery in Old Town.

Sean Little, 28, of Willows Avenue, Pinehurst, pleaded guilty to robbery, assault, robbery and criminal damage and was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on 9 November.

In the afternoon of 21 September, an 87-year-old man had gone to the Post Office in Victoria Road to withdraw his pension. 

Little entered the Post Office and stood next to the man in the queue. 

When he left the premises and got into his car, Little followed him and got into the car behind him, demanding he hand over the money. He grabbed at the man’s coat and a struggle ensued as the victim fought back.

Little then ripped the man’s pocket from his coat which contained £600 and a mobile phone. He ran from the scene and got on a nearby bus – the victim ran after him and when he approached the man, he was punched to the mouth.

The victim returned to the Post Office and called the police, while Little ran off down an alleyway and was later arrested,

PC Corinna Wiltshire said: “This was an extremely cowardly and shocking attack. 

“Little targeted an elderly, vulnerable man who his family tell me has always seen the very best in people and saw the world as a fine place. This attack was extremely frightening and has had a really big impact on this man and his family. 

“He was left bleeding, afraid and extremely upset as a result of Little’s actions and I am pleased that he has received a five-and-a-half year custodial sentence for his actions.”