Peyman Afrasiyabipour, 27, has avoided jail after admitting to robbing a 69-year-old woman in South Shields. The victim, who was recovering from breast cancer, said she was left feeling "terrified" by the incident.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Afrasiyabipour snatched the woman's purse on Gainsborough Avenue at around 8pm on July 24. He approached her from behind, grabbed her purse, and pulled her arm down in an attempt to take her phone, which was looped around her wrist.
Victim's ordeal
The woman, who had worked as a eucharistic minister, screamed for help, alerting a local man who gave chase. He was joined by a second local, and together they detained Afrasiyabipour and recovered the purse.
Kevin Wardlaw, prosecuting, said: "She said the defendant grabbed her firmly, hurting her arm and that she was terrified by his actions." He added: "When the purse was returned to (the victim), the defendant apologised to her. She reacted by backing away from him and is described as being upset, distressed and traumatised."
Impact statement
In an impact statement, the victim said: "This incident has hurt me emotionally. I was afraid to be at home by myself after this happened. I can't believe this has happened to me. I'm a recovering cancer patient who suffered breast cancer. I don't understand how someone could do this to someone like me."
She added: "Elderly people deserve the right to feel safe when walking the streets in broad daylight. I genuinely don't think I will ever feel safe walking around the area I love."
She recently said: "Since the incident I've been very wary when out on my own, especially when I hear people walking or running behind me. It brings me back to the day of the incident and it makes me feel nervous and fearful that something else might happen to me. I've walked the streets of Whiteleas for more than 25 years, it's my home town."
Sentence
Afrasiyabipour, of Reynolds Avenue, South Shields, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to robbery. Recorder Brian Whitehead sentenced him to two years suspended for two-and-a-half years, with 150 hours of unpaid work and a restraining order.
Recorder Whitehead told Afrasiyabipour: "It's a pity you have repaid the generosity of the country by doing this but I hope you recognise you have done wrong." Afrasiyabipour's barrister said he "wishes to convey his sincere apology" to the victim. He has been in the UK for four years after being granted asylum following his arrival from Iran.
