A Swindon robber who threatened to stab a ‘lonely’ pensioner as he battles cancer has been jailed for more than four years.
39-year-old Robert Alby Wetherall followed the 75-year-old home from work on 30 April before stopping in Colbourne Street, near Tesco Extra.
The criminal demanded his bag, threatening to stab him if he refused to hand it over.
He then fled the scene with the man’s rucksack, which contained a mobile phone, charger and other personal belongings.
At Swindon Crown Court, the defendant, of Whitworth Road, pleaded guilty to robbery. On 7 November, he was jailed for 52 months.
The victim told the court: “I live alone and have no family or friends nearby. I have been diagnosed with cancer. When this incident happened, I was startled and shocked.
“I wasn’t physically injured but mentally it has impacted me greatly. Initially after the incident, I could not sleep properly and I kept on thinking about it.
“I just want to live normally without any fear of someone following me.”
PC Kash Hamid added: “The impact of an incident like this on an individual can be long lasting and it is only right that Wetherall was handed a custodial sentence for his actions.
“He targeted a man in his 70s as he walked home alone from work, leaving him feeling understandably shaken up.
“Following a detailed investigation by our officers, we have been able to ensure he was put before the courts for justice to be served.”
