A thug who robbed a grandmother in broad daylight has been jailed.

Craig Creasey, 39, was caught on CCTV knocking Maureen Pledger to the ground and running off with her handbag in Sittingbourne.

The shocking footage which trapped Craig Creasey

Creasey, who had been living at Ashcroft Caravan Park, Eastchurch, on the Isle of Sheppey according to court papers but also had a home in Wises Lane, Borden, is now behind bars after being jailed for 16-months at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to one count of robbery.

The public was horrified when video of the callous crime was posted on social media. Well-wishers rallied round to help, sending Mrs Pledger cards, flowers and more than £2,600.

The money was later donated to the NHS.

Mrs Pledger was attacked as she walked towards the Mini Market shop in St John's Avenue off Rectory Road just before 9am on Tuesday, April 14.

Shocking footage from a nearby CCTV camera showed her crossing the road when a car pulled up.

Creasey got out and headed towards the shop's doorway.

On his way back to the car he briefly stopped to talk to Mrs Pledger, who is in her 80s, before lunging for her handbag, knocking her to the ground and leaving her on the floor with her walking stick and bruises to her arm and shoulder.

He then drove off taking her handbag which contained sentimental family photos.

Shortly afterwards, CCTV was uploaded to social media and within minutes Creasey’s name had been reported to the police.

Patrols soon tracked him down and reunited Mrs Pledger with her handbag and photos. Creasey was kept in custody until he was sentenced yesterday and sent down by Judge Griffith-Jones.

Investigating officer Det Con Nicola Lincoln said: "This crime was carried out during lockdown, when most people are looking out for their vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours.

"Creasey saw his victim outside the shop and took advantage of the situation, pulling her to the ground, injuring her and stealing her bag. Though shaken and physically hurt, she has shown great bravery in assisting us with our case and should be commended.

"Though this was an awful experience for her, it brought out the best in the community, who rallied round and were keen to wish her well, send cards and flowers and even donate money to the NHS as per her wishes. A true reflection of the largely good, kind people in the community as opposed to the abhorrent actions of one person."

Mrs Pledger's granddaughter Lucy Foster said at the time: "My Nan was robbed of her handbag and lots of people have been worried about her wellbeing. She is fine, a little shaken but no scum will beat her.

"Lots of you asked to reimburse any money lost but my Nan would never accept this."

Instead, Lucy launched a gofundme appeal page to raise money for frontline staff at Medway Maritime Hospital who were treating Covid-19 patients.

She added: "My Nan would love to thank everyone for the lovely messages and wishes she could personally thank everyone. She can see now that the good people outweigh the bad."

Creasey was arrested the same day after he was recognised in the CCTV footage and charged with robbery.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

Read more: Latest news from the Isle of Sheppey here.

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