Special trip for Sheffield pensioner 'too scared to leave home' after robbery ordeal

A Sheffield pensioner who was wrestled to the ground during a frightening robbery has been given a surprise Christmas shopping trip to bring some much-needed festive cheer.
By Sophie Wills
Published 4th Dec 2019, 20:21 BST
Updated 4th Dec 2019, 20:57 BST
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The 76-year-old woman was attacked on her way home from her local shops in Gleadless in October this year.

The offender wrestled her to the ground, stole her handbag and left the pensioner with a fractured pelvis.

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DC Kayleigh Brown, investigating, soon realised the significant impact the incident had on the victim, who was unable to leave her home following her ordeal.

The elderly Sheffield woman was treated to a special trip to Meadowhall after suffering a fractured pelvis as she was attacked making her way home from the local shops.The elderly Sheffield woman was treated to a special trip to Meadowhall after suffering a fractured pelvis as she was attacked making her way home from the local shops.
The elderly Sheffield woman was treated to a special trip to Meadowhall after suffering a fractured pelvis as she was attacked making her way home from the local shops.

She said: “In one of her interviews with me, she said she was upset that she was injured, because she had been so looking forward to getting out and buying presents ready for Christmas.

“I could tell that she is usually a fantastic, energetic and active woman and I think that’s why I was left with the feeling I wanted to do something to restore her faith in people.”

DC Brown made a few calls and thanks to South Yorkshire Police’s Meadowhall Policing Team and the staff at the shopping centre, the surprise was arranged.

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Today (Wednesday, December 4) the pensioner was taken to the centre in a taxi courtesy of Meadowhall, given a helping hand with her shopping by personal shoppers and even treated to a special Christmas present herself.

She said: “Although I met Kayleigh in horrible circumstances, she has been brilliant and this was a lovely surprise. Thank you to her and everyone at Meadowhall too. It’s just wonderful to get out of the house.”

Chief Superintendent Stuart Barton said: “This is a touching response from one of our fantastic detectives to a victim of crime. As a police officer, sometimes, someone’s story just stays with you a little bit longer and this is clearly what has happened here.

“I commend Kayleigh for her actions and wish this lady a very Happy Christmas from everyone at South Yorkshire Police.”

To report a crime, South Yorkshire Police are available on 101.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.