Addict ordered to snatch cash

Dealers drove Minesh Chavda to Oxford from Middlesex on July 17 and ordered him to attack Jackie Coote, who was taking £1,671 in cash to the bank from the charity shop in Cowley Road.

He jumped her from behind in Cowley Road, dragged her into Chapel Street and tried to steal her rucksack, which contained the money, Peter Coombe, prosecuting, told Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

She was knocked to the ground and suffered cuts and bruises to her knee, elbow and ankle.

Several witnesses saw the attack and Chavda was chased by at least three members of the public, who caught up with him and held him until police arrived, said Mr Coombe.

The 25-year-old, of Allenby Road in Southall, admitted attempted robbery and was yesterdaymon sentenced to three years.

Mr Coombe said the defendant, who was armed with a screwdriver, tried to rob Mrs Coote because he owed his dealers £40 - a debt which they inflated to £200.

Michael Fullerton, defending, said Chavda's life had been crime-free until 2001 when he turned to drugs after becoming depressed.

Judge David Morton Jack said only a custodial sentence was appropriate because the street robbery was carefully premeditated.

He said: "Your victim was a defenceless woman.

"In the violence she was caused bruising and grazes.

"More importantly you caused her to be fearful and upset after the incident, and the takings were from Oxfam - a charity."

After the hearing, Detective Constable Charlie Eden said she was happy with the verdict.

She said: "I would particularly like to praise the members of the public who stepped in to apprehend and hold Chavda until police arrived.

"Due to their quick actions he was caught in the act and due to their excellent witness statements, and those of other witnesses there was overwhelming evidence against him.

She added: "This goes to show that when the police and the public cooperate in this way we can ensure criminals like Chavda are put behind bars."