A teenager who mugged a 65-year old woman in Nasole, Nasinu last year was sentenced to two years and nine months behind bars.

High Court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe said crimes of this nature had the effect of endangering public life and their freedom of life.

Jovesa Turagakula, 19, pleaded guilty to the charge of aggravated burglary.

On November 21, 2020, at around 4.30pm, Zareena Bibi, 65, got off the bus at the Nasole bus stop along Kings Road.

Turagakula and an accomplice approached her from behind. One grabbed her handbag while the other restrained her. And pushed her to the ground after robbing her and ran away.

The two made off with the handbag containing $120 cash, various cards and a mobile phone.

“This is a crime of street mugging or a less sophisticated form of aggravated robbery. Crimes of this nature are prevalent and have caused insecurity and vulnerability in society,” said Justice Rajasinghe.

He said it was important to deter would be offenders by ensuring that such crimes were punished.

Justice Rajasinghe said despite being a first offender, pleading guilty and showing remorse, the seriousness of the crime dictated a custodial term.

Turagakula becomes eligible for parole after serving nine months.