A “despicable” man who injured and knocked a 92-year-old pensioner to the ground after robbing her has been jailed.

Jerry Maughan pleaded guilty to the offence that took place along Church Path in Rainham.

Police were called to the town centre shortly after 1pm on March 11, 2024, as the distressed woman had asked staff at a High Street premises for help.

Patrols attended and the victim described how she had been walking her dog and pushing her trolley near to the churchyard when Maughan approached her.

After bending down and making a fuss of the dog, he snatched the woman’s handbag away from her.

The victim, who tried to keep hold of her property, sustained an injury to her face and was knocked to the ground. The criminal then fled the scene on foot with her bag.

Officers carried out enquiries and at around 4pm, Maughan was arrested at an address nearby.

The 25-year-old was charged the following day.

After admitting the offence, Maughan, of Maya Place in Wood Green, London, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court last Friday (April 4) to three years and four months in prison.

DC Emma Laimbeer said: “This despicable man had nothing but contempt for his victim – a pensioner out shopping and walking her dog – and cared nothing for her safety.

“He subjected her to a frightening ordeal and his abhorrent actions have had a lasting impact.

“I am very pleased that Maughan was swiftly arrested and charged, and is now behind bars.

“We will always strive to bring the perpetrators of such reproachable behaviour before the courts to face justice.”