Thug jailed for robbing 78 year old

AN elderly woman walking her dog near her home was an “easy victim” a thug’s attack, a court was told.

The 78 year old spotted Bryan Bowden approaching her and saw him raise the hood of his jacket. He walked past then turned back to demand her purse. Bowden, of Edward Street, Oldham, told her he had a knife. Manchester Crown Court was told he grabbed at her gold chain and dragged her to the ground.

Steven Wild, prosecuting, said two other shocked walkers helped the victim and one chased and stopped Bowden after a brief struggle.

Bowden (57), who has a criminal record for violence, denied allegations until the day of his trial when he pleaded guilty to robbery.

Jailing him for three years, Judge Bernard Lever told him it was a serious robbery involving a vulnerable victim.

Mark Ford, defending, said though his client had claimed to have been armed, no weapon was ever found.