Postman saved pensioners from vicious charity shop attack (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Postman saved pensioners from vicious charity shop attack

6:30am Friday 1st May 2009 in News By Jenny Loweth

A postman has been praised by a judge for bravely stepping in as a “callous and wicked” thief preyed on two elderly women in a Bradford charity shop.

Polish national Andrzej Goral was grabbed by Andrew Coates, who spotted him trying to steal money from 82-year-old Enid Longbottom’s handbag.

Goral broke free and punched her friend Lorna King, 72, in the face as he tried to get out of the British Heart Foundation shop in Northgate, Bradford Crown Court was told. The 21-year-old heroin user was then caught by a city centre security officer and handed over to police.

Goral pleaded guilty to assaulting Mrs Longbottom and attempting to steal the contents of her handbag, and a further count of assaulting Mrs King, causing her actual bodily harm.

Jailing him for three years yesterday, the judge Recorder Richard Mansell QC said he had a duty to protect the elderly and deter others from such crimes.

He praised Mr Coates, in his 50s, for his courage in tackling Goral and directed he should be sent a letter of thanks and £100 from public funds.

Prosecutor John Topham told the court that Goral had been caught by Mr Coates who shouted: “No you don’t!” and grabbed him.

Mrs Longbottom tripped and stumbled but was saved from falling by the swift action of a shop assistant.

Goral wriggled out of his jacket and ran for the door.

Mr Topham said he punched Mrs King in the face with his clenched fist because she was in his way. She was knocked backwards into a clothing rail.

She was taken to hospital and X-rayed. She was unable to eat properly for weeks and suffered severe bruising to her shoulder.

Both women were left shocked and distressed after the assaults at 11am on April 4 last year, said Mr Topham.

Jailing Goral, Mr Mansell said Goral had targeted Mrs Longbottom in the charity shop to finance his heroin addiction.

He had previous convictions for similar offences, picking on elderly and vulnerable people who had modest means and often relied on a State pension.

Mr Coates bravely tackled Goral who then chose to fight his way out of the shop, he said.

Mrs Longbottom was spared serious injury when she was saved from falling.

The judge told Goral: “Mrs King was not so fortunate. She was in the way and you pushed her and, in an act of pure callous wickedness, punched her in the face.”

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