A south east London man who left an elderly woman with head injuries after snatching her purse has been jailed for six years.
Jay Makwana, 40, pushed the 81-year-old victim to the ground as he stole the wallet containing around £200 outside a bank in Bexley.
Police were called to the scene on Market Place, Bexleyheath, just before 11am on November 9 following reports that a woman had been injured.
They found the 81-year-old lying on the ground with facial injuries, Scotland Yard said.
She was taken by ambulance to a south London hospital where her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening.
Officers launched an investigation taking witness statements and reviewing CCTV from the area.
The footage showed the victim leaving a nearby bank when she was approached by Makwana.
He pushed her to the ground causing her to hit her head on the pavement.
The 40-year-old waited with the woman until officers arrived before putting her purse into a carrier bag and leaving the scene.
Makwana, of Northumberland Park, Erith, was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers on November 24. He was interviewed and charged the following day.
He pleaded guilty to robbery at Woolwich Crown Court on January 6.
Sergeant Matt Taylor, of the Met’s Burglary Robbery Investigation Team, said: "This was a truly shocking assault on a woman who was deliberately targeted because of her age and vulnerability.
"It has had a huge impact on the victim's life and left her scared to leave home alone. I hope the fact that Makwana received a significant custodial sentence will bring her some closure as she continues to come to terms with this terrible ordeal."
Makwana was also ordered to pay a £190 victim surcharge.
