Man sentenced to 11 years for mugging 91-year-old woman (From Haringey Independent)

Man sentenced to 11 years for mugging 91-year-old woman

2:14pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

A mugger who pushed a 91-year-old grandmother to the floor and stole £20 from her purse has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Eric Banton, 49, of Northumberland Park, pleaded guilty for the robbery of Lynne Elmer- Laird last month.

Today at Wood Green Crown Court Banton was sentenced to 11 years in prison, to serve six and a half in custody, and the remainder on licence.

The offence took place in Church Road, Highgate, on August 14, when Mrs Elmer- Laird was forcibly pushed by Banton, causing her to fall to the ground.

He ran off with her purse which contained just £20 in cash, her bank card and travel pass.

As a result of the fall Mrs Elmer- Laird suffered a bleed on the brain, broken arm and severe bruising, and she was requiring surgery following concerns about her head injury.

The court heard how on the day of the Banton was high on crack cocaine and due to meet with his probation officer in Highgate.

Giving evidence Mrs Elmer- Laird said: “My face was black and blue and yellow. I couldn’t face going out.

"I do go out but not very far and I’m getting my confidence back and I’m determined to get on with things."

Defence barrister Keith Stones said: “My client is deeply remorseful and deeply shamed by what he has done and sends many apologies.”

After the hearing Mrs Elmer- Laird said: “My philosophy is you fall, you dust yourself down and start all over again."

The former WWII nurse added: “I am relieved this matter is now over and would like to thank the Metropolitan police and in particular Paul Hallas and his team for their support and time and effort they have given in catching the man who mugged me.

“I would also like to thank the staff at the Whittington and UCLH hospitals who were so kind in attending to my injuries.

“Finally I thank the press for the publicity they gave to this incident which greatly helped identifying my attacker.

“I hope this is a warning to other potential muggers that they should not expect to get away with it.”