A heartless act targeting an 82-year-old woman in her wheelchair has resulted in a three-year-and-three-month prison sentence for 21-year-old Troy Wildin. The incident occurred in November 2023 when Wildin targeted the elderly victim while she was shopping with her daughter in a Rotherham supermarket.
Sheffield Crown Court heard how Wildin carefully observed the mother and daughter as they withdrew money from a cash machine before seizing the opportunity to snatch the victim’s handbag and flee the scene. Quick-thinking shoppers witnessed the robbery, chased after Wildin, and managed to block his path until police arrived, saving the victim’s bag and its contents.
Appearing in court on Tuesday, January 9, Troy Wildin of St Marys View was found guilty of attempted robbery, leading to the substantial prison sentence. Detective Constable Megan Byne, the officer in the case, commended the swift actions of the witnesses and security guards who intervened to detain Wildin.
Byne stated, “This was a cruel robbery where Wildin chose to target an elderly woman. I’d like to thank those quick-thinking witnesses and security guards who intervened to detain Wildin. I hope that this sentence offers reassurance to the victim, and she can move on from the ordeal. I’d like to send a clear message to the public that the police will pursue those who think they are entitled to steal from others to ensure we keep our streets and communities safe.”
