Man in court over robbery of £5 from pensioner, 93, who was 'flailing like a seal' in lobby attack
The victim, who was 92 at the time, was on the floor for at least five minutes
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A man is to appear in court today over a “sickening assault” on an elderly and frail man for his wallet that contained £5.
Stanley Evans, 93, was waiting in the lift lobby in a Soho tower block that he lives in when a man pushed him towards the ground and grabbed his wallet at around 8pm on 31 January.
Solomon Bygraves, 29, of no fixed abode, was charged with robbery yesterday after being arrested at an address in Camberwell, south London, on Monday.
The victim – who is widowed, lives alone and has no children – was left with an injured shoulder and a fear of going out after the terrifying ordeal at Ingestre Court.
The attacker allegedly followed him home from a shopping trip and was caught on CCTV carrying out the assault on defenceless Mr Evans, who appears to have spoken to the suspect prior to being pushed and mugged.
Mr Evans, who was 92 at the time of the attack, is seen lying on the floor trying to understand what had just happened to him. He is understood to have been unable to stand up for at least five minutes.
The former cameraman, who is originally from Wales and has worked with Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Dors and Richard Attenborough, told ITV: “When you fall over at my age every bit of your body hits the ground.
“I was flailing like a seal. It’s almost impossible to pick yourself up.”
Mr Evans then managed to get the lift up to his flat to call 999. An ambulance was called but he did not need to go to hospital for his injury.
Det Sgt Gemma Alger, had said: “This is a totally unprovoked, callous and sickening assault on a defenceless pensioner.
“The victim is fiercely independent and has lived in London all his life. His confidence has been eroded as a result of the actions of this individual and now he is fearful about going out.”
Mr Bygraves is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.