A man who robbed a pensioner in Swindon and threatened to stab him has been jailed for more than four years.
Robert Alby Wetherall, 39, of Whitworth Road, Swindon, pleaded guilty to robbery at a hearing in July and was sentenced to 52 months’ imprisonment when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court on 7 November.
The incident occurred shortly after 6pm on 30 April, when Wetherall followed his victim — a 75-year-old man — home from work. He stopped him in Colbourne Street, demanded he hand over his bag, and threatened to stab him if he refused.
Wetherall fled the scene with the man’s rucksack, which contained his mobile phone, charger, and other personal items.
In a personal impact statement read in court, the victim described the emotional toll of the attack:
“I live alone and have no family or friends nearby. I have been diagnosed with cancer. When this incident happened, I was startled and shocked. I wasn’t physically injured but mentally it has impacted me greatly. Initially after the incident, I could not sleep properly and I kept on thinking about it. I just want to live normally without any fear of someone following me.”
PC Kash Hamid said:
“The impact of an incident like this on an individual can be long-lasting, and it is only right that Wetherall received a custodial sentence for his actions.
He targeted a man in his 70s as he walked home alone from work, leaving him understandably shaken. Following a detailed investigation by our officers, we have ensured justice has been served.”
