One-legged robber jailed

A one-legged robber who left his artificial leg behind at a crime scene has been jailed for three years.

Eric Gardner, 41, admitted trying to grab the bag of money from newsagent Ghanshyam Patel who was on the way to bank more than £2,000 in Dagenham, London, on 27 January.

But in the scuffle the bag split, money spilled onto the street and two nurses rushed to Mr Patel's aid, Snaresbrook Crown Court was told.

Gardner's artificial leg became detached, but he managed to get into a getaway car which drove off, leaving Mr Patel holding his false limb.

Had there not been a struggle then your limb would not have become detached and you might perfectly well have made good your escape

Judge John Platt

Witnesses took down the car's registration and Gardner gave himself up after an appeal was made in the local newspaper.

He told police he had intended to use the money to finance his drug habit.

Mr Patel, 56, who runs a newsagents in Oxlow Lane was left with cuts to the face and hands and is to get a reward for his bravery from the court.

Gardner, of Pinley Gardens, Dagenham, admitted robbery.

He had previous convictions dating back to 1986 for offences including robbery, aggravated burglary, drugs importation and possession and damaging property.

Aisling Byrnes, defending, told the court Gardner lost his leg after getting into a fight while on holiday in Ibiza in 1997.

'Slave to drug addiction'

During a brawl he fell off a balcony, was run over by a car and then received poor treatment in a local hospital.

She added: "He has found life difficult in custody as he has not had his leg, but it has now been returned to him."

She said that Gardner had been "a slave to drug addiction".

Judge John Platt told Gardner: "Had there not been a struggle then your limb would not have become detached and you might perfectly well have made good your escape.

"The victim shall attend this court to receive a reward at a future date."