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Belfast man (71) who preyed on and robbed elderly women jailed for three and a half years

Laganside courthouse in Belfast
Laganside courthouse in Belfast Laganside courthouse in Belfast

A 71-year old Belfast man who preyed on and robbed elderly women so he could send money to an online female friend from Columbia has been jailed for three and a half years.

Belfast Crown Court heard that the eldest victim in Robert Rodney Stanley Archer's crime spree was 92 and some of those he targeted suffered injuries during the robberies.

The court heard the father-of-seven, who has a previous conviction for brothel-keeping back in 1991, began offending to raise money after embarking on the romantic online relationship.

Archer of Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald, admitted robbing six women, trying to rob a seventh and stealing money from a further three pensioners.

Sentencing Archer, Judge Patricia Smyth said: "I cannot find the words to describe your criminality. All of the victims were very elderly ladies, targeted specifically because of their vulnerability.

"You preyed on them. You watched them as they collected their pension, or withdrew money from a cash machine, or simply walked along the street."

Among his victims was a 73-year-old returning home from the post office along the Comber Greenway with the aid of a zimmer frame. Archer pushed her to the ground and stole her bag containing £120.

He also robbed a 91-year old on her doorstep of £500. The court heard a struggle ensued and Archer used force, leaving the woman with a head wound after she was brought to the ground.

A 92-year-old also suffered a fractured arm and bruising to her fingers after giving chase when Archer stole her bag in the Dundela Flats area.

After admitting all 10 offences, Archer told police he had sent money to a woman in Columbia.

Defence barrister Ian Turkington said his client had accepted responsibility, adding the offences were "unsavoury to say the least."