A ROBBER who pushed an 81-year-old man over to steal his wallet at a bus stop has been jailed for three years and four months.

Andrew Carmichael left his victim injured on the ground near the NatWest bank in Bournemouth town centre on Friday September 7.

Carmichael, 39, of Campbell Road grabbed the man's wallet from his pocket before pushing him at 12.30pm.

He made off but he was chased by around five members of the public who stopped him and retrieved the wallet.

Carmichael was detained until officers arrived at the scene a short time later and was arrested. The victim suffered a minor head injury.

A public appeal was launched following the incident. The elderly man is believed to have confronted Carmichael after realising he had stolen his wallet. He was then pushed over.

Carmichael was jailed after pleading guilty to robbery when he appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday October 5.

Detective Constable Honor McAdam, of Bournemouth CID, said: "This was a despicable act. Carmichael targeted a vulnerable elderly man for his own gain and it is thanks to the quick-thinking members of the public who stopped him that we were able to bring him swiftly to justice. I would like to praise all those involved for assisting in his apprehension.

"Dorset Police will not tolerate violent offences of this nature and I hope this case demonstrates that those responsible will be brought to justice."