Three heroic men stopped shameless Sunderland robber in his tracks after he stole pensioner's wallet

Michael Slee, 38, approached his 82-year-old victim at a Sunderland bus stop before knocking the elderly man to the floor and wrestling his wallet from his hand.

But three men, who had watched the incident unfold on Stockton Road, jumped out of a nearby van and stopped the robber at the scene until Northumbria Police arrived.

Sergeant Dean Fletcher has praised the men for “doing the right thing” and confronting the robber.

He said: “This was a despicable crime as Slee targeted an elderly member of our community who he should have been looking out for.

“After using force to prise the man’s wallet out of his hand, Slee looked to flee the scene – but his cowardly actions were witnessed by three men nearby who were understandably disgusted by what they saw.

“While we would not encourage members of the public to put themselves in harm’s way, we would like to thank the three men for their swift actions as they confronted the offender and restrained him until our officers arrived.”

Slee, of Wraith Terrace, Sunderland, was subsequently arrested and charged with robbery.

He admitted the offence at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, October 4 and was jailed for two and a half years last month.

Sgt Fletcher added: “They should be very proud of their actions and it is because of their willingness to do the right thing and help a vulnerable man in need that Slee has been brought to justice and now begins a significant custodial sentence.

“I would like to thank the victim for his bravery throughout this case, as well as the team of officers who worked tirelessly to bring Slee’s case before the courts.”

The pensioner suffered cuts to his hands and rips to his trousers as a result of the robbery.

In a statement, he said: “For someone to attack me and take my property has left me shocked, hurt and upset.

“This has also left me feeling nervous and anxious when I go out, which is not like me as I have always been confident and independent.”