A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after committing two assaults on older women in quick succession within Coventry. Lewis Phillips violently stole handbags and personal items from the victims. On September 15, 2025, Phillips attacked the first elderly woman while she was walking along Postbridge Road. He came up from behind her, took her handbag, and pushed her to the ground, causing her to strike her head. Phillips ran away as bystanders came to help her. Investigators stated her family located the stolen property using a tracking device hidden in the handbag. Three days afterward, Phillips attacked another elderly woman, following her along Woodstock Road and attempting to grab her handbag. During the confrontation, the woman managed to keep hold of her belongings while calling for assistance, Warwick Crown Court was told. Police officers on routine patrol observed Phillips and discovered he possessed a bus pass belonging to one of the victims. Although Phillips initially denied the crimes, he acknowledged responsibility after being shown CCTV footage of himself following and assaulting the elderly women. He received a three-year prison sentence at Warwick Crown Court on April 20. Detective Sergeant Jay Aston, from West Midlands Police, stated: “Lewis Phillips deliberately targeted elderly, vulnerable women in our community, showing a complete lack of regard for the physical and emotional impact of his actions. He showed no remorse throughout his time in custody. To attack a 78-year-old woman with Alzheimers and leave her injured on the ground is a truly despicable act. Thanks to the quick thinking of the victims’ families, the bravery of witnesses who raised the alarm and the exceptional work of my officers, we were able to identify and apprehend Phillips within hours of his second offence. My investigation team worked incredibly hard to get a prompt decision from CPS, who authorised charges for Phillips. It sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such predatory behaviour on our streets. We remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that those who cause harm in our city are brought to justice.
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