GLEN MORLEY BRUTAL ROBBERY IN OSWALDTWISTLE LEADS TO THREE-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE

A disturbing incident unfolded in Oswaldtwistle late on the night of August 28, when a 74-year-old man was subjected to a violent robbery at a bus stop on Union Road. The assailant, identified as Glen Morley, aged 32, approached the elderly victim while visibly intoxicated, carrying a bottle of whiskey. Morley initiated the encounter by asking the pensioner if he was interested in purchasing the alcohol. The elderly man, who was waiting alone at the bus stop, declined the offer, prompting Morley to make a personal statement about his family and residence, claiming he lived in Clitheroe and had a wife and children.

Following this, Morley produced a £10 note from his own wallet and offered it to the pensioner. However, displaying a callous attitude, Morley dismissed the amount as insufficient and proceeded to snatch the man's wallet from his grasp. The elderly victim attempted to resist, but Morley responded with violence, dragging him into the road and onto the ground. The pensioner was left lying there, vulnerable and at risk of being struck by passing vehicles. Despite his struggle to regain composure and stand up, he managed to do so and sought assistance from nearby pedestrians. These individuals helped him contact emergency services to report the assault.

Meanwhile, Morley did not flee the scene immediately. Instead, he went to the residence of a friend, who was aware that Morley owed approximately £300 for unfinished gardening work. The friend also knew that Morley had been drinking that evening and had seen him leave his house abruptly around 11 pm. Upon his return, Morley boasted about the incident, claiming he had 'jumped' someone, and showed his friend the stolen wallet. The wallet was later recovered from the back garden of the friend's house.

The victim later provided a statement describing the injuries sustained during the attack, which included cuts and bruises. He also reported losing around £60 in cash, and the ordeal forced him to cancel his bank cards, causing significant inconvenience. The incident has left him feeling less confident about going out alone at night. Court proceedings revealed that at the time of the robbery, Morley was already under a community order, having previously kicked two police officers who attempted to arrest him for disorderly conduct at Tesco Express.

In sentencing, Recorder Katherine Jones emphasized the severity of the crime, describing it as a 'nasty and mean offence.' She highlighted the victim's vulnerability due to his age and the late-night timing of the attack. The court acknowledged Morley's intoxication during the incident but also considered his remorse and efforts to address his alcohol addiction. Despite these mitigating factors, the seriousness of the offence warranted a custodial sentence. Morley was therefore sentenced to three years in prison, reflecting the court's stance on the gravity of the crime committed in Oswaldtwistle.