Barrow woman jailed for attempted robbery

A Barrow woman was jailed yesterday for an attempted robbery in the town.

29 year old Helen May of Lesh Lane, Barrow appeared at Barrow Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 9 June, where Judge Batty sentenced her to 4 years and 8 months in prison.

The sentencing follows an incident that took place on Saturday 2nd April 2011, where a 50 year old local woman was walking along Bridgegate Avenue with a friend when she was approached by May from behind. May grabbed the woman’s handbag causing her to drop her shopping that she was carrying. May then attacked her with a pen causing several small puncture wounds to her victim’s arm.

35 year old local man, Scott Beattie, was passing by at the time of the incident and saw what was happening. He stopped to help the victim and approached May who swung at him before running off. Mr Beattie followed and restrained her on Bridgegate Avenue until police arrived.

May pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at a previous hearing on 6 May 2011.

Detective Constable Wayne Dixon from Barrow CID said: “This is a significant sentence that shows how serious May’s assault was on her victim.

“Robberies do not happen often in Cumbria and the sentence May has received, and the actions of Mr Beattie, show that the local community and criminal justice system will not tolerate violence like this on our streets.

“I’d like to thank Mr Beattie and the wider public for the assistance in this case, which has resulted in a dangerous criminal being put behind bars."

Chief Superintendent Paul Kennedy presented an award to Mr Beattie in Barrow police station at the end of May in recognition of his bravery and help.

Ch Supt Kennedy said: “Mr Beattie’s actions on 2 April were admirable and it was thanks to his quick thinking and bravery that May was apprehended and brought to justice.

“His community spirit meant that he disregarded his own safety to try and protect others. While we would never encourage people to tackle violent offenders, we would like to thank Mr Beattie for his instinctive reactions that helped to keep the community safe.”