Face of the ex-serviceman and Doncaster prisoner with 136 previous convictions who mugged terrified pensioner

Steven Elliot grabbed the 72-year-old man on Bridgegate, at midday on February 25, last year, after his victim collected his pension.

The man recognised Eliott, because they used to live in the same social housing complex, and fought back, prosecutor Ayman Khokar said.

But Elliot overpowered him, pushed him against a wall, and took his wallet.

He headed towards the bus station, taking £105 in cash, before discarding the wallet, while his victim followed him.

"Stop following me or I will knock you out," Elliot told the pensioner.

He denied the robbery, but was identified in a parade, and pleaded not-guilty last November, before changing his plea before a trial in March.

The court heard he has 136 previous convictions for 327 offences, mostly for theft. In July 2017 he received 20 months for robbery.

Dermot Hughes, mitigating, said: "The last thing he wants is an immediate release.”

He said the former serviceman had the opportunity to get help from rehabilitation firm Catch 22 and turn his life around.

Judge Sarah Wright told Elliot, 46, currently of HMP Doncaster, that he had made "significant strides" to address his drug addiction.

"I am impressed by the thought you have given to this and the plans you have begun to make for your life outside custody."

She sentenced him to 20 months in prison.

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