Man stole woman’s phone as she had seizure in street

Judge condemns 'despicable act' after thieves leave vulnerable woman unconscious on ground

Noel Steadman was sentenced to 22 months in prison after pleading guilty to theft (Greater Manchester Police)

A man who stole a woman’s phone and car keys as she lay on the ground having a seizure has been jailed.

Noel Steadman, who is homeless, was sentenced on Thursday to 22 months in prison after pleading guilty to theft at Manchester Crown Court (Crown Square).

In the early hours of 21 March 2019, Steadman and an unidentified man rushed over to a 39-year-old woman, Leonora Royce, who was suffering a seizure in Manchester city centre.

The court heard how Steadman began rooting through the woman’s pockets, stealing her iPhone 6 Plus, as she struggled on the ground.

The two men fled after they were disturbed by a passer-by and spotted an ambulance arriving at the scene, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

CCTV operators alerted police after seeing the pair crouching over Ms Royce before they attempted to unlock her car.

Steadman was also given a four month prison sentence for vehicle interference, which will run concurrently with his sentence for theft.

Police have not been able to trace the second man.

At the sentencing, Judge David Hernandez told Steadman: “Right thinking people will be disgusted by what you did, because instead of helping her you went out of your way to see what you could get.

"It was clearly and blatantly dishonest, aggravated by the fact that woman was lying in the street, clearly needing help. She was vulnerable.

"You didn't help her, you stole from her; a despicable act."

Chief inspector Cherie Buttle, of GMP, agreed Steadman’s actions were “despicable”.

“I know the fact that Steadman will be unable to offend in Manchester city centre for the foreseeable future has brought [Ms Royce] great comfort and reassurance,” Ms Buttle said.

“I would like to thank her and pay tribute for the incredible courage she showed in coming forward to support the investigation.”

The investigation was launched by GMP’s Operation Valiant team, a specialist unit dedicated to tackling personal robberies in the city centre.

In March, Ms Royce said she would not let the incident stop her from working in the city centre.

"I won't let it change my daily life," she said. "I'm not going to let it define me. I'm still going to work in the city."

Her husband, Jordan, told the BBC that the men descended on her “like the walking dead”.

"They literally clambered at her and clawed at her taking all her possessions while she was laid on the floor... at her most vulnerable. And then they even went into her car and tried to rob stuff from that as well,” he added.

“When someone is [having a seizure] even intervening can cause damage. It is an absolute disgrace."