A pair who robbed a man in his late 60s while he was sat on a bench have been jailed for a combined total of more than six years.

Mark Proudfoot, 33, and Tammy Veronica Potts, 45, were sentenced today at Carlisle Crown Court (December 10).

The pair were jailed after earlier pleading guilty to the charges of robbery.

The victim - William Michael Graham - was sitting on a bench outside a church on Milbourne Street when he was approached by Proudfoot and Potts on August 9.

After demanding money, the pair then grabbed the victim's phone before leaving the scene.

Proudfoot, of Bowscale Close, was jailed for 40 months while Potts, of Orchard Street, was sentenced to 32 months.

Detective Constable Lisa Atkinson, North Cumbria Crime and Safeguarding Team, said: “We are pleased that both Proudfoot and Potts have been jailed for their role in this street robbery.

“They targeted the victim and demanded money from him. Fortunately the victim was not injured during this incident, but the impact of being involved in a robbery may have a lasting effect.

“Their imprisonment means Carlisle is a safer place. I hope today’s sentencing sends out a clear message to anyone who would consider engaging in such activity that Cumbria Police will do all it can to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”