Man who attacked woman, 82, is jailed

A THUG who attacked an 82-year-old woman on the way to her keep fit class has been jailed for 30 months.

Paul Forrester, 38, tried to snatch Mary Ann McIver’s handbag at the top of a set of stairs at a secondary school in Anniesland.

When the OAP refused to let go and screamed for help, Forrester pulled her, causing her to fall on metal railings and break two ribs. A passer-by stopped to help, pulling the mugger from Mrs McIver. Forrester broke free and made off – leaving behind his hat – which led the police back to him.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, Forrester admitted assaulting Mrs McIver by repeatedly pulling her handbag, causing her to fall to the ground to her severe injury and the danger of her life and robbing her of her purse.

He was jailed by sheriff Sam Cathcart who discounted the sentence from 40 months because of his early plea. Forrester will also be supervised for nine months after his release.

The court previously heard Mrs McIver was on her way to a keep fit class on 13 January this year.

Procurator fiscal depute Jill Clarkson told the court: “The accused grabbed the handbag and began to pull it with force. She turned around and saw the accused.

“The complainer was distressed and screamed for help. At this point the accused continued to pull her bag to take it away from her. The accused pulled the complainer backwards causing her to fall on a metal railing at the top of the stairwell.”

The court was told Mrs McIver was still able to get about, but now suffers from breathlessness and some discomfort.