A robber has been jailed for ten years after attacking a 68-year-old woman in her own home for £40.
Daniel Rowlands, 28, of Holly Road Risca, smothered his victim’s face with a towel and threw her into the fridge during the violent attack on January 22 this year.
Rowlands broke into the house on Dan-y-Graig Road in Risca and made off with jewellery and £40 cash.
Speaking to Rowlands during a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Huw Rees said: “This was a violent robbery of an aged person in her home.
“She thought she was going to be killed, and all for the paltry sum of £40.
“You threatened to kill her. Her trauma was an enduring trauma.
“Attacks on the elderly in their own home is despicable and deserves severe punishment. Any such attack is cowardly.”
Rowlands was sentenced to ten years in prison on February 27 for robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.
Judge Rees sentenced Rowlands to six years in jail, but he was given an extra four years due to the aggravating circumstances of the attack.
Speaking after the sentencing Gwent Police’s officer in charge of the case, DC Glyn Mason, said:“This was a particularly nasty incident and a very distressing experience for the victim involved.
“The effects of what she went through that evening have been far-reaching, and I want to recognise and thank her for her courage and bravery throughout this investigation.
“This was a fast moving enquiry on the night of the incident with resources drafted in from various departments across the Force, including dogs and the Force helicopter.
“This resulted in quick identification and apprehension of the offender.
“The strength of the evidence gathered at the time, and during the subsequent investigation, resulted in a guilty plea from Rowlands. Despite this, Rowlands has continued to show no remorse for his actions.
“I hope the result today will help the victim somewhat in her recovery, and enable her to move on with her life.”
Rowlands admitted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon at an earlier hearing having previously denied he entered the victim’s home.