A street robber who left a student "crying and emotional" after snatching her bag in Newcastle city centre has avoided an immediate prison sentence. Alexander McClymont, 41, pleaded guilty to robbery and was handed a two-year suspended sentence at Newcastle Crown Court.
Attack on Queen Victoria Road
The Newcastle University student was walking along Queen Victoria Road on August 14 2023 when McClymont pulled her handbag from her shoulder. The victim turned around and grabbed the bag, leading to a struggle in which the strap broke and McClymont ran off with the bag.
The woman fell to the ground during the incident and was described as "crying and emotional" afterwards. The court heard she has since returned to Iraq.
Arrest and sentencing
A CCTV still of the attacker was circulated, and a police officer recognised McClymont as the perpetrator. The 41-year-old, of Adams Avenue, Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, was sentenced to two years suspended for two years with a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement.
Recorder Tony Hawks told McClymont: "It was a highly distressing experience. You've got an appalling record but have done quite well in recent times."
The court heard that McClymont has been sent to prison since the robbery for offences of dishonesty.
