Brutal Attack on 70-Year-Old in Tilgate Alley
A 70-year-old man was viciously attacked after a routine trip to buy cigarettes at Tilgate Parade on 28 August 2020. While walking home through a nearby alleyway, he was ambushed from behind, punched, and kicked relentlessly as he lay helpless on the ground.
During the assault, the victim heard a woman shout, “Get his phone, get his wallet.” His worst fears were confirmed when he realised his mobile phone and wallet had been stolen. Police later discovered that his bank card was used for at least three local transactions shortly after the robbery.
Suspect Caught with Stolen Goods
The victim recognised the voice of Yogini Limbachia, aka ‘Gina’, who he knew and had seen at the parade moments before the attack. Police quickly searched the area and found the 41-year-old, unemployed and living on Shipley Road, Crawley, in possession of the stolen items on Tilgate Way.
Limbachia was arrested and charged with robbery. She claimed she found the belongings on the ground and planned to hand them to police, but later pleaded guilty to the offence.
Jail and Restraining Order for ‘Gina’
On 22 April, at Lewes Crown Court, Limbachia was sentenced to 30 months behind bars. She was also slapped with a three-year restraining order banning her from contacting the victim, coming within 50 metres of him, or entering his street.
Failure to obey the restraining order could land Limbachia in trouble again – with a maximum five-year prison sentence on the line.