Worksop man jailed after putting 75-year-old woman in a headlock in an attempt to steal her handbag

William Ellison approached the victim from behind before he grabbed her in a headlock and kneed her in the back while trying to steal her bag.

Despite being in pain during the struggle, she kept a tight grip of her bag, and the 37-year-old ran off after he was disturbed by a member of the public.

She managed to return home following the frightening incident and her daughter called the police.

Her handbag was damaged during the attempted robbery which happened in Gateford Road, Worksop, at around 11am on 29 April 2023.

She had left the Aldi store and was walking along Gateford Road when she was targeted by Ellison.

Ellison was arrested and charged. He pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted robbery.

Ellison, of Watson Road, Worksop, was jailed for two years and four months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (28 July 2023).

Inspector Julian Eminson-Ferry, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This incident will have undoubtedly been terrifying for this vulnerable victim, who was emotionally, physically, and socially impacted by what happened to her that morning.

“I commend her bravery throughout and hope it brings her some comfort now Ellison has been sentenced.

“I’d like to reassure people that we take all reports of robbery very seriously, we will investigate and do everything in our power to bring offenders like Ellison to justice.”