Elderly Heroine Robbed by Injured Joyrider She Tried to Help
86-Year-Old Pensioner Attacked After Offering Help
An 86-year-old woman’s kindness turned into terror when Shaun Kennelly, an injured joyrider, robbed her moments after she offered assistance. The pensioner found Kennelly hiding outside her Newark home, clutching an injured arm after a wild police chase.
Unaware of his criminal spree, she invited him inside to bandage his wound. Seconds later, Kennelly grabbed her by the throat and forced her to hand over all the money in her purse before fleeing. The shocked woman suffered minor injuries but escaped a worse fate.
Joyride Terror Spells Chaos in Newark Town Centre
Earlier that hour, Kennelly – shirtless and barefoot – tore through Newark’s town centre, driving his mother’s stolen car at speeds reaching nearly 80mph in a strict 30mph zone. He dodged police, ignoring orders to stop, weaving dangerously on the wrong side of the road and narrowly avoiding crashes.
His reckless rampage ended when police called off the pursuit to protect the public after Kennelly rammed a police car and abandoned the wrecked vehicle near Newark Gateway.
Caught and Sentenced: Kennelly’s Long List of Crimes
- Robbery
- Dangerous driving
- Aggravated vehicle taking
- Driving while disqualified
- Criminal damage
The 25-year-old was arrested the next day but refused to co-operate at first. On October 7, he pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to four years and five months behind bars.
He also faces a 10-year restraining order barring contact with his victim, and a driving ban for three years after release.
Police Slam “Despicable” Attack on Woman
“His first thought when this kindly woman came to his aid was to rob her in her own home,” said Detective Constable Lauren Carpenter. “His actions were absolutely despicable and callous to the extreme, causing a horrible ordeal she did not deserve.”
“Kennelly’s reckless driving endangered the public and will never be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police. We’re glad justice has been served and hope he reflects on his mistakes.”
