Iranian asylum seeker avoids prison after robbing recovering cancer patient in South Shields

The pensioner screamed for help with two men hearing her and chasing him down and detaining the 27-year-old.

Afrasiyabipour, of Reynolds Avenue, South Shields, was jailed for two years, suspended for two and a half years, after admitting robbery at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court heard how the woman was walking down the road at around 8pm on July 24 when Afrasiyabipour approached from behind.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said Afrasiyabipour then grabbed her purse from her hand and pulled her arm down to try to grab her phone, which was attached to her wrist by a cord.

Afrasiyabipour then ran off with the purse and the victim shouted for help, which alerted a man who lives in the area, who then gave chase.

Another nearby man joined in the pursuit, with the two detaining the robber and getting the woman’s purse back.

Afrasiyabipour tried to make off again but was again detained by heroic nearby residents.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw told the court: "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."

In a victim statement issued shortly after the attack, she 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. 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."

In a more recent statement, the pensioner 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 hometown.

"I should be able to walk the streets of my hometown without being fearful of what may happen. I’ve never in my life felt unsafe in my own community."

Recorder Brian Whitehead said Afrasiyabipour was "intoxicated with drugs" at the time of the robbery.

In mitigation, representatives for Afrasiyabipour, who was assisted in court by a Persian interpreter, said he wanted to sincerely apologise to the woman.

The court heard Afrasiyabipour had no history of offending in either the UK or Iran, having initially been granted asylum four years ago.

Mr 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 was also sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work and given a restraining order that banned him from contacting the victim or entering her housing estate for five years.