A MAN has been jailed for his involvement in stealing cash from a 85-year-old grandfather in Wells.

Peter Maughan, 47, of Greenfields Way, Weston-super-Mare, has been handed a 12-month prison term at Bristol Crown Court after he previously admitted conspiracy to steal.

On September 11, 2023, the victim visited a bank in Wells to withdraw cash. He was followed as he drove away "for several miles".

When he stopped, someone opened his car door and stole a bag containing his cash. Maughan was identified as the driver of the vehicle.

Later that same month, he handed himself in to police. Two other people were arrested in connection with the theft, but no further action has been taken.

While some of the stolen money was recovered, Maughan still has to pay compensation to make up the total within six months.

Investigating officer PC Jim Card said: “The vehicle Maughan used was displaying false registration plates and he waited outside the bank for a vulnerable target, following him for several miles before seizing the opportunity for his unknown accomplice to complete the theft.

“This shows a level of planning and callous deliberation in selecting an elderly and clearly frail person as his victim.”

Police want to assure the public that it is unusual for senior citizens to be victimised in this way.