Shocking Attack on 77-Year-Old Sparks Jail Time for Thief
Gavin Woodcock plunged a peaceful Newark alley into chaos after targeting a vulnerable 77-year-old pensioner. The 39-year-old thief spotted her walking alone and launched a brutal robbery.
Violent Robbery Leaves Pensioner Injured
Woodcock shoved the elderly woman to the ground, snatching her handbag as she fell. The pensioner was left with a fractured wrist in two places and a head wound. Her purse, house key, phone, and bank cards were stolen during the 9pm attack on 13 August 2023.
Prolific Thief Spends Stolen Cash in Shop
After rifling through the stolen purse, Woodcock brazenly used one of the victim’s bank cards to buy cigarettes and alcohol at a nearby shop. This wasn’t his first offence—just weeks earlier, on 22 July 2023, he swiped bottles of spirits from two Newark stores.
Quick Police Action Leads to Arrest
Thanks to his growing notoriety, Woodcock was caught just two days later. Officers from the Newark neighbourhood policing team spotted him in the town centre on 15 August and took him into custody.
Long Sentence for Repeat Offender
Woodcock faced multiple charges, including robbery, two counts of theft, fraud by false representation, and breaching an existing notification order. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years and eight months at nottingham-crown-court" title="Nottingham Crown Court" target="_blank">Nottingham Crown Court on 14 December.
