Thief jailed for city centre robbery of vulnerable pensioner

A thief who robbed a vulnerable pensioner on the street in broad daylight has been jailed for more than three years.

50 year-old Brian Roberts pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting and robbing 73-year-old Stuart Smith last August.

The court heard Mr Smith was walking with a zimmer frame when Roberts pounced on him in Glasgow’s Union Street.

Prosecutor Richard Hill told the court: “Roberts said: ‘Hello old man, I haven’t seen you in a long time and I’m sorry I don’t have anything for you.”

Mr Hill claimed Mr Smith didn’t know Roberts but had seen him before.

Roberts then went behind the elderly man and said: “I have something to give you.”

Roberts struggled with Mr Smith, rummaged through his pockets and snatched his wallet containing £150.

Roberts ran across the road and Mr Smith noticed he took out the cash and dropped the wallet on the pavement.

A 999 call was made by Mr Smith.

Police couldn’t find Roberts until January this year when he was spotted begging on the street.

Defence lawyer Sat Singh said that Roberts was “appalled” by his behaviour.

Sheriff Philip McKinnon said: “This is a despicable offence on a vulnerable victim.

“Your criminal record is appalling and only a custodial sentence is appropriate."