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Mugger jailed after throwing 12-year-old girl to the ground to steal her phone

A mugger has been jailed after attacking a 12-year-old girl and throwing her to the ground in order to steal her iPhone.

Slovakian Patrik Gunar, who admitted the offence, was handed a three-year sentence.

He was arrested after Derbyshire Police released shocking CCTV footage that showed him targeting the girl, who bravely tried to fight off her attacker.

After pushing her to the ground, Gunar fled with her iPhone 6 on February 18.

The schoolgirl fought against her attacker for 25 seconds on the street in Derby, as she was on her way home from buying some cauliflower for her mother.

In an interview with police, the defendant told officers “she was just a little girl” and that she was “easy prey”.

Gunar threw his victim to the ground before running off (Derbyshire Police)
Gunar threw his victim to the ground before running off (Derbyshire Police)

Appearing at Derby Crown Court on Monday, Gunar pleaded guilty to a single charge of robbery as his family watched on from the public gallery.

Judge Nirmal Shant QC told the mugger: “I have seen CCTV footage of what you did.

“What you did was walk past a 12-year-old complainant, decided she was easy prey and chose her deliberately because of her age and vulnerability.

“What can be seen on screen is that you were determined to get it off her despite her best efforts to stop you from doing so.

“You held onto that phone while you ragged her about on the floor. She continued bravely to hold onto her phone but you carried on.”

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The 12-year-old victim asked Derbyshire Constabulary to share a statement on her behalf.

She said: “I would like to thank the public for all the support I have received. The heart-warming comments mean a great deal to me and my family.

“The public reaction really raised my self-confidence after I initially felt very low following the incident.

“I would also like to offer big thanks to the police for their hard and fast work.

“They found the person responsible in what seemed like the blink of an eye and have been very supportive throughout.

“I’ve also been blown away by the generosity of people in making donations. It means I can replace my phone, replace the clothes I was wearing and so much more.”

The mother of the victim added: “I would just like to say a big thank you to all the people that reacted to the police’s plea for help.

“My daughter was very shaken by what happened, but the support and generosity she has been shown has been amazing.”