A brave bystander apprehended a mugger who targeted a woman with a crutch in Wishaw, holding him until police arrived.
The mugger’s name is Andrew Christison, and he is 32 years old. He received a 15-month jail sentence after admitting to robbing the woman, who used a crutch. He shoved her down on July 30.
Christison was already out on bail for similar offenses. The woman was walking near a store when Christison attacked around 7 pm, using a crutch for support.
Christison approached her rapidly from behind, taking her bag and shoving her. She fell on her hip, sustaining bruises. Someone witnessed the event from their window. She yelled for her husband, who rushed outside.
He saw Christison attempting to climb a fence with the stolen bag still in his possession. He grabbed Christison and pulled him down. Neighbors arrived to help restrain him, and they then contacted the police. Christison’s lawyer stated he struggles with a drug problem. He is a father to two children and feels remorseful, desiring change, according to his lawyer.
The judge addressed Christison directly regarding his crime, emphasizing that he had targeted a vulnerable individual. The judge acknowledged that he would’ve escaped if not stopped by other people.
He greatly frightened the woman, exacerbating her hip pain and causing lasting fear. He has a history of violence and weapons charges, and was already out on bail at the time of the robbery.
The judge had initially intended a longer sentence, but reduced it due to his admission of guilt. Christison has a history of purse snatching and targeted two elderly women last year. One victim was 82 years old, with that theft taking place in November. Eight days later, he victimized a 79-year-old.