Bexley pensioner dragged 10ft in wallet theft attempt

An elderly man was dragged approximately 10 feet along the ground in Bexley on June 17 during an attempt to steal his wallet. The 79-year-old victim sustained cuts and scrapes and was taken to hospital, where he was kept overnight due to heart palpitations. Abofazel Jahanashamee, 55, of Erith, pleaded guilty to robbery.

The incident occurred at an ATM in Bexley when Jahanashamee approached the pensioner asking for money. When the victim stated he had none to spare, Jahanashamee followed him and grabbed his wallet. A struggle ensued, during which the victim was dragged. He managed to punch the defendant twice and prevent him from immediately escaping, but £60 was taken from his wallet before Jahanashamee fled, as reported by prosecutor Nashma Exley-Shah.

The victim, who has several medical conditions making him vulnerable, stated in a court statement that he now feels nervous about returning to the location where the attack happened. He has arranged for friends to meet him when he disembarks from the bus.

Sentencing and Background

Recorder James Baird sentenced Jahanashamee to three years and nine months in prison. He noted that the attack left the victim feeling vulnerable and that the subsequent heart palpitations were not surprising. Matthew Buckley, defending Jahanashamee, acknowledged that the victim was targeted due to his age and vulnerability. Mr Buckley also stated that Jahanashamee has been assessed as vulnerable himself and that professionals have concerns he is being exploited by drug dealers in the area.

Jahanashamee has previous convictions, though none for violent offences, and had no prior offences between 2013 and 2026. Mr Buckley informed the court that this is the first substantial custodial sentence Jahanashamee has faced.