A man who mugged two women on the same day, leaving them now too terrified to go out, has been jailed for four years.
Justin Lee, 24, of Legion Way, Exeter, first robbed 75-year-old Sylvia Harewood, knocking the pensioner to ground and making off with her handbag.
She suffered a broken wrist and had to have her arm in plaster, which hampered her driving. She also had bruising to her leg and pain in her back.
Dave Bowen, prosecuting at Exeter Crown Court, said the bag contained pounds210 in cash and personal items which were Gucci Necklace not recovered. Ms Harewood was shocked and upset by the attack and now had trouble sleeping. She was afraid to go out on her own in case she was attacked again.
The second victim was 59-year old Patricia Hole, who was walking home after visiting her husband in hospital.
Once again Lee snatched her bag with pounds175 worth of property in it, but was seen by a motorist who gave chase.
Paper Bag Printing The police were alerted and the force helicopter and a dog handler were dispatched. The sniffer dog eventually found Lee at his girlfriend's home, hiding naked in the airing cupboard.
Both attacks took place at the end of April this year.
Nick Bradley, defending, said these were drug-related offences, with Lee needing money to fuel his habit which had blighted him for ten years.
However, since being in custody, he had detoxed and was determined to remain drug free. He did not intend any harm to the victims and no weapon had been used.
Lee pleaded guilty to the
embroidered patches two robberies.
Passing sentence, Recorder Ian Pringle QC told Lee: "These were easy pickings and the victims are now afraid to go out. The psychological effect must be enormous."
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