Natasha Dignum who robbed disabled man in Openshaw jailed

A woman who robbed a man with cerebral palsy at a cash machine has been jailed for four years.

Natasha Dignum, 20, of Ashton Old Road in Openshaw, Manchester, stole the money from the man as he sat in his mobility scooter at about 18:00 BST on 15 July.

She pleaded guilty to robbery and was jailed at Manchester Crown Court.

Det Con Rachel Eaton said Dignum "not only stole his money, but also his independence".

The Stockport man was approached by Dignum after withdrawing cash from a machine in Ashton Old Road.

She asked him if he had a spare pound coin and when he said no, she grabbed him by the genitals with one hand and took the £60 he had withdrawn from the cash machine with the other.

When the man resisted, she said to him that she had "a needle in my pocket and I will use it".

Despite being frightened, the man managed to grab £40 back from Dignum before she left.

Ms Eaton said the "shocking incident has had a profound effect upon the man".

"It has really affected his confidence and quality of life, as he no longer feels able to go out alone," she said.

"Dignum not only stole his money, but also his independence.

"Thankfully, the knowledge of our local officers enabled us to arrest Dignum less than a hour after she robbed this man."