Man who robbed double amputee who just had surgery is jailed

A man who robbed a double amputee at a hospital shortly after he had surgery has been jailed for more than three years.

Liam Dallimore, 29, approached the 67-year-old victim at Manchester Royal Infirmary on 14 July.

Dallimore, who was wanted by Police Scotland at the time, had been loitering around the hospital, searching for a vulnerable patient he could steal from to fund his drug habit.

He engaged in a brief conversation with the victim while he was buying a drink from a hospital shop and managed to note his debit card pin as he made the purchase.

Dallimore then took control of the man's wheelchair before taking him to a secluded spot on the hospital grounds where proceeded to then ram the wheelchair into a brick wall, causing one of the victim's amputation wounds to open.

He then robbed him of his phone and bank card, which he used along Oxford Road, Manchester, after fleeing from the scene.

Hospital staff witnessed the robbery and were able to assist the victim.

Just over a week later on 24 July, Dallimore was spotted by police officers in Manchester City Centre and was arrested.

On Friday, Liam Dallimore, of no fixed abode was sentenced in absence at Manchester Crown Court to three years and nine months imprisonment after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud and robbery.

Detective Constable Anthony Calvert of GMP's Operation Valiant team, said: "This was a horrific assault on a particularly vulnerable victim who had just undergone major and life-changing surgery.

“This was clearly a premeditated assault and Dallimore was on the prowl for a victim he knew would be unable to defend themselves, clearly demonstrating how much of a coward he is.

"No one should ever be made to feel unsafe across Greater Manchester, particularly in a care setting such as a hospital.

“The Op Valiant team are committed to ensuring offenders like Dallimore are identified and brought to justice.”