A heartless robber who preyed on two elderly women in the West Midlands, leaving one with Alzheimer's injured on the street, has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Details of the Attacks
Lewis Phillips, aged 32 and of no fixed address, approached his first victim from behind on Post Bridge Road, Coventry, on September 15. The 78-year-old woman, who suffered from Alzheimer's, was forced to the ground when Phillips grabbed her handbag. She hit her head and was left injured on the pavement before members of the public came to her aid. Her family later located her belongings using a tracking device inside the handbag.
Just three days later, Phillips followed a second woman from a hair salon on Woodstock Road. He lunged for her handbag, but she managed to keep hold of her belongings while shouting for help. Phillips fled but was spotted by police officers on patrol nearby. They arrested him and found a bus pass belonging to the victim's husband in his possession.
Court Proceedings
Phillips initially denied the offences but admitted responsibility after being shown CCTV footage of him following and attacking his victims. He was jailed for three years at Leamington Crown Court on April 20.
Police Statement
Detective Sergeant Jay Aston, the incident supervisor, condemned Phillips' actions: "Lewis Phillips deliberately targeted elderly, vulnerable women in our community, showing a complete lack of regard for the physical and emotional impact of his actions. He showed no remorse throughout his time in custody. To attack a 78-year-old woman with Alzheimer's and leave her injured on the ground is a truly despicable act."
Aston praised the victims' families, witnesses, and his team for their quick work: "Thanks to the quick thinking of the victims' families, the bravery of witnesses who raised the alarm, and the exceptional work of my officers, we were able to identify and apprehend Phillips within hours of his second offence."
The detective added: "This sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such predatory behaviour on our streets. We remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that those who cause harm in our city are brought to justice."
