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OAP's bravery snares robber

from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

South London Press

OAP's bravery snares robber

Jun 25 2004
By Court Reporter

A THUG who beat up a disabled pensioner in a lift for £20 is likely to escape jail.

Patrick Carney, 40, followed 68-year-old Foster Limerick into a lift with two accomplices and pinned him against the wall before ripping open his pockets.

But the pensioner whacked Carney over the head with his walking stick, drawing blood.

His bravery left a DNA clue which helped police to identify and arrest the defendant.

Carney, who has a string of previous convictions, admitted one count of robbery at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday.

But Judge Quentin Campbell said he would take a "lenient" approach and send him to be tested for a place on a drugs rehabilitation course.

The judge said: "This was a terrible thing to do, your victim was weak and needed a walking stick when you and two other thugs robbed him.

"For the rest of his life, whenever he goes out, he will now be scared stiff of other cruel thugs like you doing this to him.

"You deserve a substantial sentence but I am going to consider the possibility of an alternative sentence as you say you wish to break your drug addiction."

The court had heard that Mr Limerick was in the Vauxhall Walk Estate in Kennington on August 4 last year when he noticed a man following him.

As he opened the door to his block, Carney and two other men ran in behind him. Once in the lift they turned on their frail victim and stole £20.

Cops viewed CCTV footage from the lift and arrested Carney three months later after finding his blood on Mr Limerick's jacket.

Nick Wrack, defending, said Carney, of Tyres Street, Kennington, had a long-term addiction to crack.

Carney, had admitted one count of robbery. He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on July 26.

(posted 7217 days ago)

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