A criminal who was detained by officers within hours of him robbing a 92 year woman of her handbag in Rainham has been jailed. Jerry Maughan, 25, pleaded guilty to the offence that took place on Church Path on the afternoon of 11 March 2024.
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Kent Police was called to the town centre shortly after 1pm that day, after the distressed pensioner asked staff at a High Street premises for help.
The victim described to patrols how she had been walking her dog and pushing her trolley near to the churchyard when Maughan approached her. After bending down and making a fuss of the dog, he snatched the woman’s handbag away from her. The victim, who tried to keep hold of her property, sustained an injury to her face and was knocked to the ground. The criminal then fled the scene on foot with her bag.
Officers carried out enquiries and just after 4pm, Maughan was arrested at an address nearby. He was charged the following day.
After admitting to the offence, Maughan from Wood Green, London – was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 4 April 2025 to three years and four months in prison.
Detective Constable Emma Laimbeer said:
‘This despicable man had nothing but contempt for his victim – a pensioner out shopping and walking her dog – and cared nothing for her safety. He subjected her to a frightening ordeal and his abhorrent actions have had a lasting impact.
‘I am very pleased that Maughan was swiftly arrested and charged, and is now behind bars. We will always strive to bring the perpetrators of such reproachable behaviour before the courts to face justice.’