Wishaw bus thug robs blind man

Jun 18 2008 by Chris Black, Wishaw Press

POLICE are hunting for a sick thug who befriended a blind man before assaulting and robbing him.

The shocking attack took place outside the Post Office on Bellshill Road, Motherwell, at around 10.25pm on Monday evening.

The 21-year-old unnamed victim, who is registered blind, was attacked almost immediately after stepping off the 240 service bus from Wishaw.

His callous attacker punched him repeatedly in the head before demanding he hand over his mobile phone.

In a sickening twist police have revealed that the thief had been travelling on the same bus as the helpless victim and even sat next to him, chatting away.

The heartless robber lured the visually impaired man into a false sense of security before following him off the bus and pouncing when he was vulnerable.

The victim did not suffer serious injuries during the ordeal but is said to be suffering from shock.

The suspect male is described as being of slim build and around 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a shaved head.

Area Inspector Kenny Graham, of Wishaw Police Station, stated the police’s determination to bring the attacker to justice.

He said: “This is a particularly disturbing attack due to the vulnerable nature of the victim and the calculated way in which the suspect has gone about carrying out his acts.

“It was no simple theft because he has resorted to physical violence in order to take the mobile phone and he are determined to catch this individual.

“I would appeal to anyone else who was travelling on the 240 bus from Wishaw to Motherwell on Monday evening to come forward. They may have seen the victim talking to his attacker and can provide us with a more detailed description of what he looked like.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact CID at Wishaw Police Station or alternatively they can provide their information, anonymously, through Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

cblack