Have a go Dartford shoppers help jail man who snatched handbag from woman in 80s

A robber who targeted a pensioner in Dartford has been jailed after members of the public prevented him leaving the scene of his crime.

On 3 May 2024, a woman in her 80s was sitting on a bench, waiting for a bus in Home Gardens, when she was approached by Sujeepan Mangaleswaren.

He grabbed her handbag in an attempt to steal it using enough force to pull the victim to her feet. A struggle over the bag resulted in the handle breaking and Mangaleswaren fled only to be tackled by members of the public. He was surrounded until the police promptly arrived and detained him.

Mangaleswaren, of no fixed address, was later charged with attempted robbery and subsequently pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. On Thursday 25 July, the 32-year-old was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, PC Thea Mazur, said:

‘This man targeted a vulnerable pensioner thinking he could swiftly make off with the contents of her handbag. He did not bargain for the response from the plucky victim who refused to release her property, or the public-spirited intervention from local people who had seen his appalling actions.
‘Mangaleswaren acted disgracefully without thought for the potential impact on his victim. Dartford will be a safer place now he is behind bars.’