A MAN who tried to steal a handbag from a vulnerable elderly woman but was stopped by two have-a-go-heroes has been jailed for two years.


Geoffrey Biddulph, 43, of Pixton Way, Dulverton, attempted to snatch a handbag from Rita Holmes, 82, in Minehead on December 3 last year and ended up dragging her four feet along the floor during the altercation.


However, Mrs Holmes, who is also a fitness instructor, managed to fend him off and shout for help.


As Biddulph tried to escape two local men, one who was walking past and one who was driving past, heard Mrs Holmes’ cries for help and chased after Biddulph.


The have-a-go-heroes managed to catch him and detain him until police arrived.


During the sentencing on Tuesday morning at Taunton Crown Court, Judge Philip Mott said: “You plead guilty to aggravated robbery at the earliest opportunity and for that I give you full credit.


“You targeted an elderly woman, and her vulnerability must have been apparent to you. 


“Due to the victim’s fortitude you failed to obtain the handbag, but I am not surprised to hear that she has suffered with depression, struggled to sleep and feels vulnerable since the incident.”


The court heard that Biddulph, who has an alcohol addiction, had decided to attempt to steal a handbag by using a knife to cut off the straps.


He saw Mrs Holmes take out £150 from the Lloyds TSB cash machine on the High Street and targeted her.


He then followed her up to Blenheim View when he approached her from behind and made a lunge for her handbag, the court heard.


The court heard that Biddulph had sent a letter to Mrs Holmes apologising for the incident.


Judge Mott said that having read the letter to the victim from Biddulph, he accepted that his remorse was genuine.


Biddulph was sentenced to two years in prison for aggravated robbery.
He was also handed a sentence of nine months for possession of a knife in public, and this will run concurrently with his other sentence.


“Due to the nature of your crime, I cannot suspend your sentence.
“But, I hope you will continue your rehabilitation in prison,” Judge Mott added.


Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Max Priestley praised the brave pair who helped Mrs Holmes, and said he was pleased at the sentence handed to Biddulph.


Det Con Priestly said: “I’d like to thank the two people who went to the victim’s aid and helped us detain Geoffrey Biddulph.

 
“Their brave and selfless actions were recognised by the court.
“Biddulph callously targeted an elderly woman as she was walking home from the bank. 
“In my view, his actions were simply despicable.


“I know the victim is grateful for all the work which has gone into bringing him to justice and I hope she’s able to put the incident behind her now he’s behind bars.”


On December 12th Mrs Holmes courageously sent a letter to the Somerset County Gazette retelling her ordeaa ordeal, and thanking the two men who had helped her when she cried for help.


“I am the elderly lady of 82 who was attacked in North Road by a man carrying a knife,” Mrs Holmes said.


“Fortunately I am fit and active and I was able to fight this man off, keeping my handbag and my money until help arrived.


“I would like to thank the good samaritans who because of their selflessness caught this man, and the quick response of the local police. 
“What a team spirit and well done.”