Man jailed for robbing pensioner with Parkinsons Disease

John McKay was sentenced to three years in prison

Author: Louisa KingPublished 21st Nov 2022

A man from Blackburn has been jailed for robbing a pensioner who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.

John McKay was one of two offenders who kicked and punched the 78-year-old while he was out for a walk on Stoneyhurst Road in Blackburn.

McKay, 47, of Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty at Burnley Crown Court to an offence of robbery and was sentenced to three years in prison.

The victim had been advised by his doctor to take short walks twice a day to help with his condition.

On the evening of January 18 this year he went for a walk and while on Stoneyhurst Road was approached by two men.

They kicked and punched him, that causing him to fall to the ground. His mobile phone and cash were stolen.

Detective Constable Adele Hassall, of Blackburn CID, said: “This was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable member of the community.

“People are entitled to walk the streets safely and we welcome the prison sentence imposed on McKay.”