Man and woman sentenced for Reading robbery and fraud

A man and woman have been jailed for grievous bodily harm, fraud and robbery in Reading.

Paul Nicola, 60, of Patrick Haugh Road, Bicester, was sentenced to fourteen years imprisonment at Reading Crown Court last Friday (6th June).

Nicola was found guilty by a unanimous verdict on counts of robbery, section 18 GBH and fraud by false representation. It followed a trial at the same court in January.

Samantha Grindrod, 37, of Maker Close, Reading, was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment at the same court on the same date.

She pleaded guilty to robbery and fraud by false representation during the trial in January.

In June last year, the victim, a man in his eighties, helped Grindrod by giving her some food at his home. When the victim was in the kitchen, Grindrod invited Paul Nicola into the house and he proceeded to assault the victim by punching him multiple times in the face.

The victim was then subjected to a prolonged assault, during which Paul Nicola kept asking for the victim’s pin number of his bank cards, threatening to return and kill him if he did not provide it.

When the pair left, the victim managed to get to his landline to call for help. He sustained a number of serious injuries including a bleed on the brain, a broken shoulder and broken ribs. He has since made a full recovery.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable, Katherine Darling said: “I hope these court results serve as a deterrent to anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to target vulnerable people in our communities.

“Paul Nicola and Samantha Grindrod took advantage of the victim in this case and subjected him to a horrific and sustained attack - thankfully he has made a full recovery from his injuries.

“I would encourage any victims of assault and abuse to come forward to police or other support agencies.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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