Llanelli handbag thief jailed for three years

A Llanelli man has been jailed for three years and three months after admitting to snatching a woman’s handbag as she walked home following a work’s night out.

Jake Dighton, 31, of Bridge Street, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to robbery at Swansea Crown Court on Friday 25 July and was sentenced on Friday 5 December.

The incident happened late on Friday 20 June as the victim walked home with colleagues along Glenalla Road. She noticed a shadow appear over her left shoulder and initially thought it was just a passer-by, but then felt someone forcefully grab her handbag, causing her to fall to the ground

Despite suffering cuts and bruises, she attempted to chase the suspect as he ran away with her handbag but lost sight of him and made her way home.

A report was made to police who launched an investigation to identify the suspect. Thanks to CCTV in the local area, the suspect was identified as Jake Dighton, who was swiftly arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The strength of evidence against Dighton led him to plead guilty to the charge when he appeared at court.

The officer in this case, DC Rhydian Davies, said: “We welcome the sentencing of Jake Dighton; this was a traumatic incident for the victim who has been reliving the incident since that night.

“I’m hopeful that this sentencing will help the victim, who has struggled to go out in public since the ordeal, to continue her progress in returning to her ‘old self’.

“Dighton’s predatory behaviour is completely unacceptable, and no one should fear walking the streets of their hometown.

“The impact on the victim cannot be underestimated, and I commend her for her bravery and the strength with which she supported our investigation and the court proceedings that followed.

“It was evident that the incident had had an impact on the victim’s family too, and I’m grateful to her friends, family, and the wider Llanelli community for their support. The level of support shown clearly illustrates that this behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets.

“This was an excellent example of how several departments within Dyfed-Powys Police worked together to bring the perpetrator to justice. I extend special thanks to Llanelli’s Criminal Investigation Department, the Local Investigation Unit, our Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team, and our response colleagues.

“Thank you to the local community and wider public who responded to our appeal for information and for supporting our investigation.”