Homeless man mugged for his benefits cash in Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Homeless man mugged for his benefits cash in Burnley

6:00pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Wendy Barlow, Court reporter

A DRUG addict who mugged a homeless alcoholic in Burnley has been jailed for two years.

Vulnerable Simon Fisher was pinned to the ground by Lee Allison, 30, who knelt on his shoulder, which was already broken, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Mr Fisher, an epileptic, had £75 of his benefits money stolen and was left with just £20. He suffered a fit after the attack on January 15, the court heard.

The hearing was told Mr Fisher was left shaking and crying and went on to suffer anxiety and fear of going out.

Allison, of Oak Street, Burnley, who was also homeless at the time and was said to once drink 15 cans of alcohol a day, admitted robbery.

David Macro, prosecuting, said at the time the victim was temporarily living in a Burnley hotel and was taking methadone daily.

He had gone to the Post Office for his benefits and had drawn £100. He went to a place where he and associates would drink and, having bought three cans of lager, he sat down. The defendant then joined in the drinking session, under a fly-over into a car park. Mr Macro said Allison asked Mr Fisher to lend him £10. The victim refused but Allison demanded the money for heroin.

The defendant suddenly pushed the victim over backwards, climbed on top of him, knelt on his arm and tried to rifle through Mr Fisher's pockets. Mr Fisher had a sling on his broken shoulder. Allison managed to get Mr Fisher's hand and arm out of his pocket and grabbed £75.

Alexandra Tampakopoulos, defending, said Allison believed Mr Fisher owed him money.