A robber described as 'cowardly and opportunistic' by police called them to falsely plead his innocence. Jacob Harper, 31, of Milton Street, Ilkeston, leaned from his bike and grabbed the handbag of an 85-year-old woman, sending her tumbling to the ground.
The woman was not injured in the attack, but was left shaken. He was caught on camera on October 8 2021 cycling around Eastwood town centre before the attack on Nottingham Road.
Following a police appeal, Nottinghamshire Police received a number of calls and social media comments identifying Harper, along with numerous protestations of his innocence. Harper himself called the force's control room to plead his innocence despite identifying himself from images shared.
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During his police interview, Harper also accepted it was him shown on CCTV riding a silver Carrera bicycle around town, but denied he was on the bike at the time of the robbery. He continued his denials even when it was pointed out that we was wearing the same trainers and distinctive ripped jeans in his police interview as the robber.
But Harper later pleaded guilty admitted to one count of robbery. Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (July 29), he was sentenced for a total two years and eleven months.
Detective Constable Hollie Fothergill, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This was a cowardly and opportunistic attack on an elderly woman who was simply doing her shopping. Harper, who clearly identified her as an easy target, left her sprawled on the ground and could very easily have caused her serious injury.
"His actions that day were reprehensible, and I am pleased he has now been brought to justice. This incident has had a very profound impact on the victim, who was left badly shaken by what happened that day.
"I would like to thank her and her family for the patience and dignity they have shown during the legal process. I hope the sentence provides them with at least some degree of closure."
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