Ayr mugger caught by witnesses

Feb 27 2009

AN 80-year-old woman was mugged in broad daylight as she walked to her car.

But the thug responsible was caught by disgusted members of the public who chased him after watching the horror unfold.

Sick Peter Goudie waited while the old lady withdraw money from the Clydesdale Bank in Ayr’s Alloway Street at 11.30am last Thursday.

The 24-year-old then followed her through the Arran Mall as she made her way to her car.

He pounced, grabbing the terrified woman’s bag and running off.

But a member of the public standing at a nearby bus stop saw what happened and chased Goudie. Another witness also joined in the chase and the have-a-go heroes caught Goudie as he threw the bag over a wall and tried to follow it.

They kept him restrained while police were called.

Goudie admitted mugging the woman when he appeared from custody at Ayr Sheriff Court on Friday morning.

Sheriff John Montgomery said it was an appalling crime and deferred sentence on Goudie for reports.

He was remanded in custody.

Chief Inspector Andy Sweeney praised the members of the public who came to the elderly victim’s assistance.

He said: “It is both sad and disappointing to hear about pensioners being robbed when they are simply going about their daily business in Ayr.

“However, the actions of several members of the public in this instance is encouraging and shows that a community spirit still exists in the town.”