Man jailed after attempting to steal elderly woman’s handbag
A man attempted to steal a handbag from a 75-year-old woman in broad daylight as she was walking home with her shopping
The incident took place on Gateford Road, Worksop at around 11am on April 29 2023. The victim was approached by William Ellison after leaving the Aldi store. He put her in a headlock and kneed her in the back as he tried to steal the bag.
The 37-year-old was not able to take the bag as the woman kept a tight grip and he ran off following the interruption of a member of the public. The frightened victim returned home and her daughter then contacted the police.
Ellison, of Watson Road, Worksop, was arrested and subsequently charged. He went on to plead guilty to a charge of attempted robbery.
On Friday, July 28 he was jailed for two years and four months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court.
Inspector Julian Eminson-Ferry, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This incident will have undoubtedly been terrifying for this vulnerable victim, who was emotionally, physically, and socially impacted by what happened to her that morning.
“I commend her bravery throughout and hope it brings her some comfort now Ellison has been sentenced.
“I’d like to reassure people that Nottinghamshire Police takes all reports of robbery very seriously, we will investigate and do everything in our power to bring offenders like Ellison to justice.”