Woman who assaulted 87-year-old after breaking into her home is jailed

A woman who punched an elderly Allenton resident after breaking into her home and demanding money has been jailed.

The 87-year-old victim was in her living room when Emma Nicholls walked in and sat on her sofa asking for help. The victim agreed to help Nicholls but only if she went outside. As they were making their way to the front door, Nicholls grabbed hold of the victim by her arms, pinned her to the floor and then repeatedly punched her to the face.

She then stole around £50 from the woman’s purse before running from the address.

The incident, which took place on Saturday 10 June, left the victim feeling worried for her personal safety and afraid to go out. In a victim personal statement, she said: “I have never been the type of person that has been wary of going out on my own until this incident.

“However, since this incident I have felt anxious about going out on my own and I am even cancelling social plans so that I can stay at home.

“I have been feeling jumpy when there is a loud noise. I haven’t been able to bring myself to open my windows in the hot weather because I am frightened and want to keep myself locked in.

“As a result of this incident I worry for my personal safety and I feel weak.

“I was worried about my heart when I was on the floor – it was racing.

“It is a long way to fall as an adult and I am lucky that the injuries were not worse.”

Nicholls also entered another property in Derby without permission on the same day. On that occasion she went into the house of a neighbour on Portland Street and asked for money. As she was being removed from the property, she assaulted one of the residents.

The 39-year-old, of Portland Street, was subsequently charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, burglary and assault by beating.

Emma Nicholls

She pleaded guilty to the offences and was jailed for 17 months when she appeared at Derby Crown Court on Wednesday 12 July.

Detective Staff Investigator Jayde Wilson, who led the investigation, said: “Nicholls attacked these two people in a place where they should always feel safe – their own homes.

“Her actions on that day have had a long-lasting impact on the victims so I hope knowing that she is now behind bars will bring them comfort and help them to move on.”