Robber who targeted vulnerable men jailed for 15 years (From The Argus)

Robber who targeted vulnerable men jailed for 15 years

7:40pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in News By Ben James

A “nasty” individual who befriended vulnerable men before assaulting and robbing them has been jailed for 15 years.

Gerard Sargeant, from Hove, was handed the lengthy sentence after a complex investigation by three police forces.

The 55-year-old gained the trust of his victims before taking their cash, mobile phones and computers.

On December 4, 2011 he met a 56-year-old Brighton man online.

He visited his victim at his home address before robbibng him at knifepoint of his cash cards, mobile phone, home phone and laptop.

The following day he robbed an 82-year-old man he had befriended of his bank cards and several hundred pounds in cash.

He also assaulted him causing injuries to his nose.

Detective Constable Jemma Paterson from Brighton and Hove CID, said: "Sargeant is a nasty individual who targeted vulnerable men.

"I am pleased that he will be off the streets for a considerable amount of time and no longer poses a threat to any other potential victims."

Sargeant was also convicted of robbery, theft and fraud in Manchester and a robbery in London.
DC Paterson added: "This was a complicated investigation due to the vulnerability of Sargeant's victims and the fact that he was committing crimes across three police forces.

“I'd like to recognise the bravery of the two Brighton victims who stayed with us throughout the investigation - I hope Sargeant's long sentence will give them some form of consolation.

"I would urge anyone who has been a victim of Sargeant or has any other information relating to his crimes to please come forward.

“Your call will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Please call 101 quoting serial 0536 of 04/12/2011.”

Sargeant, who pleaded guilty to the charges, was handed the 15 year sentence at Woolwich Crown Court on July 13.