Two people have been jailed following the cowardly robbery of a 90-year-old man.

Delaney Foster, 35 (20.07.83), of Charlwood Street, SW1 and Sophie McDonnell, 24 (01.07.94), of no fixed address, were both convicted at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 9 August.

They have both been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

The court heard how at about 07:10hrs on 22 November 2017, the elderly victim, was visiting a friend at flats in Jerome Crescent, NW8 and had just entered the lift.

Foster and McDonnell approached him from behind and struck him around the back of the head before pushing him to the floor.

McDonnell then took his wallet, which contained the victim’s pension cash and his bank cards.

The victim was unhurt and bravely tried to follow the suspects, but they both got away.

The robbery was reported to police and an immediate investigation was launched by detectives from Westminster CID.

The breakthrough in the case followed a public appeal by police on Tuesday, 13 February that released CCTV images of both suspects.

As a direct result of the appeal, Foster was arrested on Tuesday, 27 February and charged with robbery the following day.

McDonnell was also identified following the appeal and was arrested on Wednesday, 18 April and charged with the robbery that same day.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bradshaw, from Westminster CID, said: “This was a horrible crime in which the elderly victim was attacked and robbed of his pension money. Luckily he sustained no injuries, but he was left badly shaken by the ordeal. This was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable man who was unable to defend himself.

“Thankfully the two predatory criminals responsible have been brought to justice. This was as a direct result of the public appeal, which furnished the information we needed. I would like to personally thank the public and the media for their support. This case shows what can be achieved by the police and community working together.”

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