Man who snatched bag from dog walker, 92, jailed

A man who stole a handbag from a 92-year-old pensioner walking her dog has been jailed.

Jerry Maughan snatched a woman's handbag before knocking her to the ground after she fought to keep hold of her property in Church Path, Rainham, on 11 March, 2024, Kent Police said.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence and was jailed for three years and four months in a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

Det Con Emma Laimbeer said Maughan's "abhorrent actions have had a lasting impact" on his victim.

Police said Maughan approached the woman shortly before 13:00 GMT, bending down to make a fuss of her dog before stealing her handbag.

While trying to keep hold of the bag, the woman was knocked to the ground and sustained a facial injury as Maughan fled the scene, police added.

Maughan was arrested shortly after and charged the following day.

Det Con Laimbeer said: "This despicable man had nothing but contempt for his victim – a pensioner out shopping and walking her dog – and cared nothing for her safety.

"He subjected her to a frightening ordeal and his abhorrent actions have had a lasting impact."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.