Andrew Mullen Image: Kent Police
A pensioner was almost the victim of a brazen daylight robbery in Canterbury High Street last November, when a knife-wielding cyclist tried to snatch her cash at an ATM. But thanks to sharp-eyed cops and crystal-clear CCTV, the would-be thief is now behind bars!
Andrew Mullen, 49, described as having “no fixed abode,” was sentenced to a hefty four years behind bars at Canterbury Crown Court last Thursday. The career criminal’s failed heist took place on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, leaving a local woman shaken but thankfully unharmed.
The plucky pensioner was withdrawing cash when Mullen, lurking on a bicycle, pounced. The brave victim refused to be intimidated, clinging to her money for dear life! A tussle ensued, with Mullen even resorting to elbowing the victim before dramatically falling off his bike! Humiliated and empty-handed, Mullen fled the scene, leaving his would-be victim to alert the authorities.
But Mullen’s escape was short-lived. Detectives, armed with CCTV footage of the bungling bandit, quickly identified him. His arrest later that month revealed even more shocking details – Mullen was carrying a KNIFE!
Mullen, who pleaded guilty in January, now faces the consequences of his cowardly crime. He’s been locked up for four years, sending a clear message not to mess with Canterbury’s plucky pensioners.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Moles said:
‘Kent Police is absolutely determined that people should be able to enjoy the county’s town and city centres without interference from people like Mullen.
‘When offences of this kind are reported to us, we will move swiftly to identify those involved and bring them before the courts. I am pleased this sentence will take Mullen off the city’s streets and protect others from his offending.’