Casino Robber Sentenced After Assault on Wheelchair User in City Centre

_{Robber fled into casino. (Image: BROKER.com GmbH & Co. KG/Alamy)}

A 66-year-old man was dragged from his wheelchair and robbed in the early hours outside MERKUR Slots in Peterborough, in what police described as a “despicable and unprovoked” attack.

James Smith, 43, had been smoking outside the casino on Broadway at around 2 a.m. on 13 August when he approached the older man moving slowly through the city centre.

According to court testimony, Smith initiated a conversation with the man before leaning into his wheelchair and attempting to snatch his shoulder bag.

Victim Dragged Into the Road

The victim resisted, causing his wheelchair to tip backwards and throwing him onto the pavement. As the struggle continued, Smith dragged him across the pavement and into the road in an attempt to steal the bag.

Despite the victim’s efforts to hold on, Smith succeeded and fled the scene, heading back into the casino.

A group of men who had witnessed the robbery rushed to help the victim, who was left injured in the road. Police later confirmed that the stolen bag contained the man’s bank cards, which were used later that morning at a nearby shop.

Smith Jailed After Guilty Plea

Smith, who has no fixed address, was arrested and charged with robbery. He pleaded guilty at Cambridge Crown Court on 6 November and was sentenced to four years and three months in prison.

“This was a despicable and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable person who would have been terrified,” said DC George Corney following the sentencing."

“I hope Smith being brought to justice brings some comfort to the victim who endured such a dreadful experience at his hands.” 

The case has sparked outrage among locals and highlighted the vulnerability of disabled individuals in public spaces during nighttime hours.