Woman Jailed For Robbing Disabled Man

24 October 2011, 18:39 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A woman who robbed a man with cerebral palsy at a cashpoint in Openshaw has been jailed.

30 year old Natasha Dignum from Openshaw stole money from the man while he was on his motorbility scooter in July.

The victim had left his home in Stockport on his scooter and went to the Lloyds TSB on Ashton Old Road, withdrawing a small amount of cash.

As he was taking his card out of the machine, Dignum approached him and asked him for a spare pound coin. The man said no and put the money he had just withdrawn into his pocket.

Dignum then grabbed the man with one hand and with the other took the money out of his pocket.

Dignum pleaded guilty to robbery at an earlier hearing and has now been sentenced to four years at Manchester Crown Court.

Detective Constable Rachel Eaton, of Bradford Park CID, said: "This shocking incident has had a profound effect upon the man. It has really affected his confidence and quality of life, as he no longer feels able to go out alone.

"Dignum not only stole his money, but also his independence. Thankfully, the knowledge of our local officers enabled us to arrest Dignum less than a hour after she robbed this man.

"The only suitable punishment is jail, where hopefully Dignum will have plenty of time to reflect upon what she did.

"I can only hope that seeing Dignum behind bars and brought to justice for this truly appalling crime will help restore some of this man's confidence."