A 39-year-old man has been sentenced after he assaulted and robbed a woman in her 70s while she was in hospital.

Michael Smith, of no fixed address, was discharged from the University Hospital of North Tees when the incident happened.

On his way out he noticed an elderly woman aged in her 70s alone in a room and went in and took her purse.

The victim confronted Smith and stood in front of the door before he shoved her out of the way and made off from the scene.

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A nurse at the hospital stopped Smith and took the purse back off him and he was arrested by an officer soon after.

Smith was sentenced to 18 months in prison yesterday after being charged with assault and robbery following the incident in June 2022.

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A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “Police were already in the hospital dealing with another incident so we were able to arrest Smith before he had chance to leave the hospital grounds.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim for her courage throughout this ordeal and the prosecution process. Without her support, Smith would not have received this sentence for his crimes.

“To prey on a vulnerable woman in hospital is completely unforgiveable and we are satisfied with the sentenced handed to Smith. He will now spend Christmas behind bars.”