Hastings robber Tara Perry jailed for attack on disabled man

Tara Perry was allowed to ride on the victim's mobility scooter to locations in Hastings town centre.

The 33-year-old begged the man for a lift to take her to appointments.

It started with one appointment at Warrior Square train station in St Leonards, but then she demanded he take her to the police station, then back Warrior Square.

She also told him to take him to the probation service office before ending up in Waldegrave Street on her merry-go-round tour of the town.

Tara Perry took advantage of a disabled man and then robbed him in Waldegrave Street, Hastings

There she threw him off the scooter and stole £380 in cash before fleeing.

At Lewes Crown Court Perry, of Priory Road, Hastings, admitted robbery.

The 57-year-old victim's scooter battery later died, and it took two lads an hour and a half to push him home.

He got home just after midnight following the robbery on August 10 last year.

Tara Perry took advantage of a disabled man and then robbed him in Waldegrave Street, Hastings

Detective Constable Natalie Brill said: "This was a despicable crime. Perry took advantage of a friendly helpful man who, although with his own issues, was always trusting and keen to help others.

"On the way home his battery died and he had to be pushed home by two young lads, a journey of some hour and a half, arriving home after midnight.

"He had bruising to his leg and body and the money he had taken out to pay some bills and to help his family."

Perry was given a sentence of six years and three months, which included two years to be served on licence after release.