Violent Gravesend High Street robber jailed after vicious attack on woman in her 60s

A robber who hid in an alleyway off Gravesend High Street before stealing a victim’s handbag has been jailed.

Jaroslav Gabor lay in wait as the woman walked past him during the evening of 17 February 2021.

Concealing his face with a balaclava he then cycled up to her from behind and snatched her handbag. The victim, aged in her 60s, fell to the ground and he sped away on his bicycle.

CCTV showing Jaroslav Gabor robbing victim.

Following the robbery, Gabor used one of the victim’s bank cards in a nearby shop to buy alcohol and cigarettes.

Gabor, of Silver Road, Gravesend, was jailed for three years and nine months at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday 22 November 2021 after he admitted robbery and fraud.

The incident was caught on CCTV and, as part of the investigation, the description of the bike was circulated to local officers. This led a patrol locating it the following day on the River Thames Embankment.

Further enquiries were made and Gabor, aged 23, was identified as being the offender. He was arrested two days after the offence, still in possession of the victim’s mobile phone. He was later charged with the offences and remanded in custody.

Investigating officer DC Emma Laimbeer from the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad said: ‘Gabor targeted a person he believed to be vulnerable and then violently stole her handbag, knocking the victim over in the process.

‘He left the scene with no concern for his victim who suffered hip and leg injuries. The impact of this callous crime will remain with her for a considerable time and it is only right that Gabor has been jailed.’