Robbers targeted disabled woman in bed

A pair of robbers have appeared in court after a vulnerable disabled woman was assaulted in her bed.

Kevin Harrison, 39, and Terri Styring, 34, burst into their victim's Retford home on 20 September last year while wearing face coverings.

After entering through an unlocked door, they demanded money.

After an emergency alarm was activated, one of the group began to punch the victim in the forehead and chest area.

After the struggle, they left with the victim's mobile phone.

After extensive support from neighbourhood officers, Harrison, of Wellington Square, Retford –  who was known to the victim – was arrested three days later.

Styring, of no fixed address, was arrested nine days later.

Both had been caught on CCTV on their way to and from the crime scene.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday 10 June, they both pleaded guilty to robbery.

Accounting for the time they had both spent in prison on remand, they were each given suspended sentences of 18 months and handed restraining orders prohibiting any further contact with the victim for a period of five years.

Detective Constable Lisa Porter, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

"This was a despicable crime perpetrated against a very vulnerable woman.

"In fact, the only reason they were able to gain entry was because she'd had to unlock the door so her carers could come in.

"What followed was a cowardly attack that both people involved were equally culpable for."