Brutal robbery of 87-year-old pensioner caught on camera
Collin Reid’s vicious attack outside pensioner’s home
Collin Reid, 41, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 24 November, where he finally pleaded guilty to robbery.
On 7 July, an 87-year-old woman took a bus to a supermarket near Tottenham Court Road. After buying groceries, she returned home carrying her trolley-bag loaded with food. But as she entered her gated home, Reid pounced.
The thug tried to snatch her bag, strapped diagonally across her body, but it wouldn’t come free. Enraged, Reid shoved the frail woman to the ground and ruthlessly kicked her in the back while struggling to break the bag’s strap.
Quick-thinking witnesses snap photos of attacker
Four passers-by heard the victim’s screams and rushed over. One brave bystander snapped photos of Reid, which later became crucial evidence.
The pensioner, who depended on her trolley-bag to help her walk, suffered serious injuries to her arm, knees, and back.
After the assault, Reid stormed into a nearby building, stole two purses from the woman’s handbag, then threw the empty bag back at her as he fled.
Police track down Reid after lengthy hunt
Detectives launched an investigation and, weeks later, found Reid hiding in a hostel in Bloomsbury. CCTV and witness testimonies revealed he had followed the victim from the bus, waited outside the supermarket, and tailed her onto a second bus before attacking her outside her home on Charing Cross Road.
Reid was arrested on 16 September at a Guildford Street address, then remanded in custody after his first court appearance. Initially pleading not guilty, he later caved under the weight of evidence and changed his plea to guilty.
Police praise victim’s bravery and justice ahead
“The victim, although physically very frail, has been incredibly strong throughout our investigation and court hearings,” said Detective Constable James Brooks.
“While she is recovering physically, the psychological scars will take much longer to heal.”
“I thank the witnesses who intervened quickly and took photographs. Thanks to them, Reid will now pay for his cowardly actions which were motivated by stealing just £60 from a vulnerable pensioner.”
Reid remains in custody and is due back at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 22 December for sentencing.
