A robber who targeted a woman in her late seventies has been brought to justice

Luke Summers, 29, was sentenced to six years behind bars for launching an unprovoked attack in Merthyr Tydfil.

Yesterday, Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court was told Summers targeted the woman on October 19, 2022.

CCTV footage showed the victim putting her bins out, outside of her house while Summers watched her from behind a wall. Once she had gone back in, Summers knocked on the door and forced his way in. He punched the victim with such force she fell to the floor, and demanded money from her.

Summers, from #Gurnos, fled the scene with money, jewellery and a mobile phone, of which he tried to wipe the data and claim it was his own.

An investigation was immediately launched by detectives and Summers was arrested less than two hours later. He was later charged and remanded.

Yesterday (Wednesday 22 February) a judge sentenced him to six years behind bars and a further four years on extended licence.

Detective Constable Mike Snare, who led the case, said:

“We are really pleased to have been able to put Luke Summers before the courts and take a dangerous individual off the streets.

“Summers deliberately targeted a woman in her late seventies to satisfy his own greed, leaving her injured and understandably distressed.

“We would like to thank the victim in this case for his cooperation throughout and sincerely hope this significant sentence can help give her some comfort and closure following the distressing ordeal.

“We make no apology for pursuing violent offenders such as Summers and will continue to do all we can to ensure thieves are put before the courts and brought to justice.”