A COWARDLY handbag thief who targeted two elderly women – leaving one, a 78-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s, injured on the ground – has been jailed.
Lewis Phillips, 32, of no fixed address, was jailed for three years at Leamington Crown Court.
He stole the handbags and belongings of two women in Coventry in September last year.
On September 15, Phillips targeted the first woman while she was walking in Post Bridge Road.
He approached her from behind and grabbed her handbag, forcing her to the ground and causing her to hit her head.
Phillips ran away from the scene while members of the public helped the woman, with the stolen property eventually found by her family through a tracking device inside the handbag.
Three days later, Phillips targeted another woman, this time following her from a hair salon in Woodstock Road and lunging for her handbag.
In the struggle, she was able to keep hold of her belongings while shouting for help.
Phillips fled and was spotted by officers who were on patrol nearby. They detained the 32-year-old and found a bus pass on him belonging to his victim’s husband.
Having initially denied the offences, Phillips admitted being responsible after being shown CCTV of him following his victims and attacking them.
Det Sgt Jay Aston, the supervisor for the incident, said: “Lewis Phillips deliberately targeted elderly, vulnerable women in our community, showing a complete lack of regard for the physical and emotional impact of his actions.
“He showed no remorse throughout his time in custody. To attack a 78-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s and leave her injured on the ground is a truly despicable act.
“Thanks to the quick thinking of the victims’ families, the bravery of witnesses who raised the alarm and the exceptional work of my officers, we were able to identify and apprehend Phillips within hours of his second offence.
“My investigation team worked incredibly hard to get a prompt decision from CPS who authorised charges for Phillips.
“This sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such predatory behaviour on our streets.
“We remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that those who cause harm in our city are brought to justice.”
See above to watch CCTV footage of Phillips following his victims and attacking them.
