A robber pinned an elderly woman up against a kitchen unit by her neck and snatched two rings from her finger, a court heard.

West Higgins had previously made an unsolicited offer to do some gardening at the victim’s Rochester home and, despite doing nothing, turned up again in November asking for more money.

He then pinned her against a kitchen unit and removed two gold rings from her finger.

The 33-year-old, of Humber Crescent, Rochester, admitted robbery and yesterday, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court. He was jailed for six years.

Shortly before the robbery, Higgins made an unsolicited offer to carry out maintenance work on the victim’s garden.

It was agreed he could, and a small payment was made in advance by the victim. On November 6, he turned up again wanting more money, despite no work being completed.

Higgins then convinced the victim to give him some food. As she was getting something out of the freezer, he noticed jewellery on her fingers and pushed her against some kitchen cupboards.

He then placed one of his hands around her neck and used his other to remove two gold rings. He also attempted to remove other rings from different fingers but couldn't get them off.

The victim was left with significant bruising and a cut to her finger, but was able to call police immediately after Higgins fled.

He was arrested the following day, charged and has been in custody ever since.

PC Michael Kiernan, the investigating officer for the case, said: "Higgins used considerable force against a woman who is more than 40 years older than him. The offence was exceptionally callous and left the victim in considerable distress.

"I am pleased that we have been able to secure justice for her and that a violent offender is now unable to target other innocent people."

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