A ROBBER who violently attacked a man sitting on a bench before stealing his mobile phone in Poole has been jailed.

Callum Giddins, 22, of Wimborne, was sentenced to three years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday, March 4).

A second defendant, Casper Blackmore, 19, also from Wimborne, received an 18-month sentence suspended for two years for his involvement in the robbery.

The court heard how the victim was sitting on a bench in Merley Park Road at around 2pm on Monday, October 17, 2022, when the pair approached him from behind.

Giddins and Blackmore grabbed the man by the back of the neck and repeatedly punched him before stealing his iPhone and fleeing the scene.

The victim suffered a head laceration that required medical treatment.

Detectives launched an investigation and identified the pair, who were known to the victim, with the attack also captured on CCTV.

Both men were arrested and charged with robbery.

Blackmore admitted the offence, while Giddins denied it but was later found guilty following a trial.

Detective Constable Steven Davis, of BCP CID, said: “The victim in this case was simply sat on a bench and minding his business, unaware that he was to be targeted by two robbers.

“He was subjected to a vicious attack, had his phone stolen and was left with a head injury which needed medical treatment.

“We are pleased that Blackmore and Giddins are facing justice for their violent actions, and we hope this demonstrates we will do all we can to hold offenders to account.”