Judge doubles sentence on man who targeted women

Andrew Pollitt who a psychiatrist said posed a serious risk to the public

A SERIAL criminal who attacked two women within months of his release from prison has been branded a danger to the public by a Crown Court judge.

Andrew Pollitt (45), tried to steal a terrified 64 year old’s car on a filling station car park in Chadderton, then two months later knocked an 82-year old pensioner to the ground and grabbed her handbag containing £90, her glasses and bus pass.

An off-duty prison officer who chased him was threatened with being stabbed, and his victim later said the attack had left her virtually housebound as she was too afraid to go out.

Pollitt, of Park View, Chadderton who pleaded guilty to robbery and attempted robbery, was jailed for three years - but given a three-year extension because he was classed as dangerous.

Judge Bernard Lever said he agreed wholeheartedly with a psychiatrist’s conclusion that he posed a serious risk to the public.

Pollitt had been released from prison on licence after being jailed for two years at Preston Crown Court for being involved in a violent clash between gangs of jobbing gardeners in Poulton, Blackpool in which pitchforks and hammers were used.

A senior judge at the time described it as an extremely violent incident, adding: “It is difficult to imagine a more serious case of affray.”

His record also included an 11-year sentence imposed at Manchester Crown Court in 1998 for being transport manager responsible for finding getaway cars for a notorious gang of robbers, and a five-year sentence for firearms offences and making threats to kill in 2007.

Lisa Boocock prosecuting, said the attempted robbery happened on February 9, 2015, on the Asda petrol station forecourt in Chadderton. His victim later said she had been haunted by his face, and it had taken her weeks to get over the ordeal.

The robbery happened on April 16 when Pollitt grabbed his victim from behind, knocking her to the floor. She later told police one of her only enjoyments had been going out, and she now felt too scared.