Paul Stone launched a brutal attack on an 80-year-old woman at her doorstep before dashing off with her purse. The violent robbery unfolded near North Street on 24 August 2022.
Fake Charity Plea Ends in Violence
Stone knocked on the elderly victim’s door pretending to collect for charity. When she went to fetch her purse, Stone shoved her hard, knocking her backward. He then snatched the purse and fled the scene.
CCTV Catches Stone Red-Handed
Neighbours raised the alarm and police rushed to the scene, but Stone had already vanished. A search of nearby CCTV revealed him clutching the stolen purse, stuffing some items in his pockets while throwing others on the floor. Officers recovered the discarded valuables, confirming they belonged to the victim.
The very next day, a sharp-eyed constable spotted Stone in Gillingham High Street and arrested him on the spot.
Sentenced for Callous Crime
Stone, 46, with no fixed address, was charged with robbery. He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was slapped with a harsh sentence of six years and six months behind bars on 3 March 2023.
Detective’s Stark Warning
Detective Constable Emma Laimbeer, of the Kent Crime Squad, said: “Paul Stone callously preyed upon an elderly and vulnerable victim, who he knew stood no chance in defending herself. He waited until she began to unzip her purse before assaulting her with a clenched fist, pushing hard into her chest and causing her to fall. The impact of Stone’s cruel actions continues to have a deep and profound effect on the victim’s daily life. I only hope this prison sentence will now provide some sense of reassurance and safety.”
