Paul Stone attacked an 80-year-old woman on her doorstep before dashing off with her purse in a shocking robbery.
Fake Charity Collector Targets Elderly Woman
On 24 August 2022, Stone knocked on the victim’s door near North Street, pretending to collect for charity. When she stepped inside to fetch her purse, he shoved her violently to the ground, grabbed her purse, and fled the scene.
CCTV Captures Stone Red-Handed
Neighbours raised the alarm and police raced to the scene, but Stone had vanished. Officers scoured nearby CCTV footage and caught him holding the stolen purse, stuffing some items into his pockets and discarding others on the floor. The thrown belongings were retrieved and confirmed to be the victim’s.
Speedy Arrest on Gillingham High Street
The very next day, an alert constable spotted Stone on Gillingham High Street and arrested him. The 46-year-old, homeless at the time, was charged with robbery.
Stone later pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. On 3 March 2023, he was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.
Detective Condemns ‘Callous’ Attack
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 deeply affect the victim’s daily life. I hope this prison sentence brings her some reassurance and safety.”
