A pensioner has had precious family photographs returned after officers put her robber behind bars.
Glen Wayman snatched the woman’s bag and knocked her to the floor when he attacked her in Ferryhill on the morning of July 30. The victim was left with injuries to her face, hand and arm but understandably was left devastated that she had lost the rare family photographs that were in the purse Wayman snatched from her.
An investigation was launched and on reviewing CCTV footage, PCSO David Evans identified Wayman as matching the description of the suspect seen running from the scene. The 47-year-old, of Ferryhill, was subsequently arrested and despite initially giving a no comment interview, later admitted the offence and told officers he had ditched the victim’s purse as he ran away.
After rummaging through several gardens, bushes and hedges, officers were able to return the purse to the victim, reuniting her with her precious family photographs. Wayman was charged and pleaded guilty to robbery. At Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, September 5, he was sentenced to three years in prison as well as being ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.
Ferryhill Neighbourhood Policing Team sergeant, Pete Newman, said: “This was a horrendous incident for the victim who was left shaken and upset following the attack. Thankfully officers were able to reunite the woman with her precious family photographs and we hope knowing Wayman is now behind bars can help her find some closure.”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
