A MUGGER who attacked a pensioner at a cashpoint machine, snatching £100, has been jailed.
Preston Crown Court heard how Barry Miller’s 70-year-old victim put up a struggle and the two men ended up rolling on the ground in Birley Street, Blackpool.
Eventually, Miller (pictured) wrestled the cash off his victim and rode off on a bicycle. He was identified through CCTV from a nearby shop.
The 34-year-old of Stratford Place, Blackpool, admitted theft and common assault after the incident last month.
Kirsten McAteer, prosecuting, said the victim had gone into the town centre on Sunday July 8 to withdraw money for his son.
Miller went up to him and asked: “Excuse me mate, do you have a cigarette?”
The man said he didn’t smoke.
Miller then moved around to his left-hand side and lent across and grabbed the notes when the money came out.
The man grabbed him to try to stop him getting away.
They both ended up on the floor, rolling around in a struggle for the cash, before Miller rode off on the bicycle.
The victim ended up bruised and shaken by what happened.
Earlier that day, Miller had called in at a nearby shop.
A police officer checked CCTV from that shop and recognised the defendant.
Julie Taylor, defending, said although Miller had an unenviable criminal record, he had no previous convictions for violence.
“He has been battling the demons of heroin and crack cocaine for over a decade now. Most of his offending has been to fund that drug habit.
“He has voluntarily rid himself of those addictions.”
On the date of the offences, Miller had been in a poor state of mind and this had led him to turn to valium.
Miss Taylor added: “He is remorseful and extremely sorry he caused injury to the man.
“He is horrified and shocked matters got out of hand in the way they did.”
Jailing Miller for 14 months, the judge, Recorder Fiona Ashworth, told him: “Your record is nothing short of appalling. I consider it a very serous matter an elderly gentleman should be targeted in this way.”
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