A ROBBER from Reading, who left his "vulnerable, elderly" victim in pain ever since she was attacked, has been brought to justice for stealing £200 from her in a "terrifying ordeal."

Leon Stoute, 33, of Granville Road, was sentenced to three years and seven months at Reading Crown Court yesterday (Friday September 30), after he pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at the same hearing.

The victim, a 69-year-old woman, withdrew cash from the cashpoint at the Esso Tesco petrol station in Bath Road at about 9.30am on March 1 earlier this year.

Stoute was standing next to the victim as she took the cash and he then followed her as she left the petrol station.

The attacker followed the victim for about 200 metres and then pushed her to the ground from behind.

He then took £200 from her purse and fled the scene.

The victim sustained cuts and bruises to her face, hands and knees and has had to cut her hours at work owing to the tremendous pain in the aftermath.

Investigating officer, Det Con Neil Callaway of local CID based at Reading police station, called the crime a "terrifying ordeal" for the woman involved.

He said: "Stoute had deliberately targeted a vulnerable, elderly lady as his victim.

"I am pleased with the sentence as it means Stoute will rightly remain behind bars for some time to come.

"I hope this brings some comfort to the victim who has been very brave throughout the court process."

He added Stoute had been caught two days after the robbery thanks to solid detective work.