A street robber has been filmed laughing after stealing £1,100 from a disabled pensioner in Nottinghamshire.
Andrew Merritt, 34, from Cheapside in Worksop, asked the 88-year-old if he could spare some change.
The pensioner, who was using a mobility scooter, took out his wallet and handed over £3.10.
CCTV footage showed Merritt hug the man before snatching his wallet and walking away.
Merritt grinned as the pensioner pleaded for his wallet back.
He then counted a large wad of £20 banknotes and kept the cash as he dumped the wallet.
Nottingham Crown Court heard Merritt stole £1,100 in the incident on Potter Street in Worksop on August 1.
Police launched an investigation and arrested the thief six days later after looking over CCTV footage.
Merritt denied stealing the cash and insisted the pensioner agreed to purchase a bike from him
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE
Merritt denied stealing the cash and insisted the pensioner agreed to purchase a bike from him.
The 34-year-old initially pleaded not guilty but confessed to the offence on October 6.
Merritt was sentenced on November 8 to four years behind bars.
He was given a Criminal Behaviour Order which banned him from Workshop town centre for another four years.
Andrew Merritt, 34, from Cheapside in Worksop, asked the 88-year-old if he could spare some change
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE
Merritt was also ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Hall said: “Merritt’s actions were cowardly in the extreme.
“He preyed on a vulnerable man knowing he would not be able to stop him making off with his money.
“When he asked for £2, the elderly victim gave him that and more, out of the goodness of his heart.
Police launched an investigation and arrested the thief six days later after looking over CCTV footage
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE
“It was a kind act of generosity and so it was staggering that Merritt repaid the gentleman’s empathy by robbing him of such a vast amount of money.
“It was an extremely cruel crime and I am pleased Merritt has been made to pay for his appalling actions.
“I hope the outcome at court provides the victim with some comfort in knowing that Merritt can no longer harm anybody in our communities.
“I’d also like to thank the witnesses who came forward with information so that we could put Merritt behind bars.”