Derbyshire man who robbed pensioner he followed home from the pub is jailed

Stancu-Sorin Baiaram grabbed the 86-year-old man from behind and tackled him to the floor. He then stole the victim’s wallet, which contained around £50 in cash and his bank cards, before running away.

Sadly the victim died two months after the robbery so didn’t get the opportunity to see Baiaram brought to justice.

Neighbours in Main Street, Newton Solney, were alerted to the incident on February 13 after hearing the victim’s screams and called police.

CCTV footage from just before the robbery showed Baiaram’s black Audi A4 parked outside the pub where the victim had enjoyed drinks with friends. When he left the pub to walk towards the bus stop, Baiaram followed him and after seeing him getting on the bus, Baiaram got in his car and followed the bus through Burton town centre and into Newton Solney.

After seeing the victim getting off the bus, Baiaram parked his car and ran towards the victim to carry out the robbery. CCTV then shows him running back towards the car and travelling back to Burton town centre where he went in to the Cashino gaming arcade and spent two hours playing on the slot machines.

Baiaram was arrested and denied any involvement in the offence in interview but was later charged with robbery.

In a victim personal statement, the 86-year-old man said: “It is a short walk home which I have done many times without incident. On this occasion I was suddenly attacked from behind and after a struggle my keys, wallet and the contents of which were taken.

“I was left bruised, my right arm was grazed and bleeding. I was very distressed by the attack. Due to my age I feel as though I have been targeted.

“I lead quite an active life and I have been determined that the attack would not affect any of my normal activities, which often involve travelling by bus to Burton or Derby.

“Prior to the attack I never had any concern about walking alone however since the attack and robbery took place I am quite anxious and it has made me extremely cautious to the point where I am continually looking round and where possible choosing well-lit areas for my route.

“This should not have happened and I should not have to feel like this. I feel frustrated that the attack is always with me and I feel as though I cannot erase that incident.”

Baiaram, 26, of Edward Street, Burton-on-Trent, admitted robbery and appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentence on 3 August when he was jailed for three years and four months.

Pc Laura McLuckie, who led the investigation, said: “This was an appalling attack on an elderly man going about his normal business. The fact that Baiaram specifically targeted this victim, following him as he got on the bus and then attacking him near his home, before spending the money he stole in a gaming establishment showed a great deal of callousness and pre-planning.

“The victim was understandably left very shaken by what had happened and sadly he died eight weeks after the robbery. However, through meticulous hard work we had by that point been able to identify Baiaram as a suspect and charge him.

“The victim had been informed of the charges before he died so I’m glad that he knew we had managed to get justice for him. I hope this sentence can bring some degree of comfort for the victim’s family.”