A 44-YEAR-OLD woman from Barry with more than 100 previous offences on her criminal record has been sentenced to 32 months in prison after she pushed an elderly man and stole his phone to sell it to buy drugs.
Cardiff Crown Court heard that Kelly Bailey robbed the 79-year-old man while he was walking along Penarth Road, Cardiff on 4th July.
Bailey approached the man from behind and pushed him with her shoulder, which made him fear he would fall due to his mobility issues.
Bailey continued to follow the man, and when he paused to catch his breath, she put her hand in his pocket and stole his iPhone 11. The victim’s son later reported the robbery to the police.
Does not speak English
In his police statement, the victim, who does not speak English, said he was left feeling “frustrated and powerless” after nobody came to his aid, and that he believed Bailey was under the influence of drugs when the attack took place.
Bailey pleaded guilty to robbery at the court hearing. Mari Watkins, representing Bailey, said in mitigation that her client had been clean from drugs for a long time following her most recent conviction in 2020, but then started using cocaine again and this led on to heroin. Ms Watkins said: “This was a moment of madness as she wanted to have drugs. The defendant accepts that there is going to be a custodial sentence.”
Ms Watkins told the court Bailey did not specifically target the victim due to his vulnerabilities but instead acted in an “opportunistic” manner: “The defendant of course recognises the fear that was felt that day,” she said.
Ms Watkins added that upon reflecting on her actions, Bailey had said, ‘I feel disgusted with what I have done. It should not have happened.’
53 previous convictions
Bailey’s criminal record comprised of 53 convictions for 101 offences, many of which were for theft, burglary and robbery.
Recorder Angharad Price said: “This is an appalling offence where you attacked [the victim], who was particularly vulnerable, aged 79.
“He was the easiest source of money for you to buy drugs. You had a disregard for the effect this would have on him.”
Recorder Price jailed Bailey for 32 months and ordered her to pay £60 in compensation.
By Marcus Stead – News Reporter
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