Hastings Woman Jailed After Robbing Disabled Man Who Tried To Help Her

A woman from Hastings has been jailed for four years and three months for robbing a local disabled man who tried to help her.

Police said Tara Perry, 33, of Priory Road, admitted to robbing the 57-year-old man of £380 in cash after forcing him off his scooter in Waldegrave Street, Hastings, on 10 August 2020.

She was given a six year, three month prison sentence when she appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 15 January.

Two years of the sentence will be served on licence.

According to officers, Perry first approached the man in Church Road where he agreed to giver her a lift on his mobility scooter to an appointment at Warrior Square railway station.

It later became apparent this was an appointment at the police station, then back to Warrior Square and then to Probation offices, before ending up in Waldegrave Street where she suddenly demanded money, threw him off his scooter and stole the cash from him before making off.

Detective Constable Natalie Brill of Hastings CID said:

"This was a despicable crime. Perry took advantage of a friendly helpful man who, although with his own issues, was always trusting and keen to help others.

"On the way home his battery died and he had to be pushed home by two young lads, a journey of some hour and a half, arriving home after midnight.

"He had bruising to his leg and body and the money he had taken out to pay some bills and to help his family."