Richard Gatiss has been jailed for four years at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting assault with intent to rob Alan Barnes outside his home in Gateshead. Newcastle Crown Court heard Gatiss was desperate for money to buy so-called legal highs when he tried to mug the 4ft 6in pensioner.
Police have welcomed the sentencing of a drug addict who mugged pensioner Alan Barnes.
Richard Gatiss was caught after police retrieved DNA from a pocket on his victim's jacket, a court has heard earlier.
Richard Gatiss, from Gateshead, ran off empty-handed when Mr Barnes called for help during the attack.
Superintendent Richard Jackson has said:
Sentencing the 25-year-old at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Paul Sloan QC said: "I have no doubt he was picked on by you because of his vulnerability.
"I would personally like to thank the local community for their amazing donations of food, toiletries and clothing. "
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