A ROBBER who dragged an old woman onto the ground as he stole her bag has been sentenced to more than three years in prison.

Gavin Paul Newbold, of Salesian Gardens, was sentenced in Oxford Crown Court today after pleading guilty to robbery, attempted theft and possession of class A drugs.

On Wednesday, July 19, at 12.10pm, a woman in her late seventies was walking along New Road, in Oxford.

Newbold approached the elderly woman from behind and grabbed her bag in an attempt to steal it. The victim struggled to hold onto the bag, prompting the 38-year-old to pull it with enough force to drag her to the ground.

He then made off with her belongings as she lay face down in the middle of the road.

The victim received significant injuries to her face, thumb, wrist and feet as well as the loss of a front tooth. She was treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. She has been discharged however is still recovering from her injuries.

Investigation of CCTV showed Newbold in Oxford City Centre seemingly watching people to target. Subsequently, CCTV from July 19, also showed Newbold attempting to steal a wallet from an elderly man.

This elderly man was traced through CCTV enquiries. He was in his mid-80s.

Newbold was arrested on July 20, upon which he was found to be possession of class A substances.

He was charged the following day on July 21.

Investigating officer detective constable Neil Rudge, of the Investigation hub based at Oxford, said: "I am pleased that Newbold will be serving a custodial sentence for his crimes.

"He is a cowardly man who was observed on CCTV trying to target elderly and vulnerable people in order to steal from them.

"Newbold initially denied the offences and it was only the overwhelming evidence that has led him to plead guilty before the case came to trial, however he has never shown any remorse for what he has done.

"I would like to thank the public who came to the elderly lady's assistance and also to those who provided information to assist in our investigation.

"The victim of the robbery is still in pain due to her injuries and medical experts say that she may never fully recover.

"I would like to pay tribute to her and also the other victim in their bravery in coming forward to stand up against Newbold and his despicable behaviour against elderly victims who were not able to defend themselves."

Today, Newbold was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.