A man who left an elderly poppy seller fighting for her life in hospital in a vicious mugging has been found guilty.
Patrick O’Leary, 46, snatched the 70-year-old woman’s shoulder bag outside her home in Stanmore, north London, as she returned home from a poppy-selling shift in the town centre.
When the Royal British Legion worker tried to stop the bag being taken, he attacked her.
She suffered serious and life-threatening injuries and spent six months in hospital to recover following the incident, which happened on November 7, the day before Remembrance Sunday, in 2015.
The victim was later named as Marian Botos, who had lived in Stanmore for more than 30 years.
Friends and people who lived close by described her as "hardworking" and a "perfect neighbour" who did a lot for charity.
O’Leary, from Harrow, was found guilty of robbery and inflicting grievous bodily harm at Harrow Crown Court on Friday.
The victim’s bag, which included a free bus pass and cash, has never been found.
Prosecutor Ellis Williams at the CPS said: “This was a vicious robbery on an elderly lady that left her suffering serious injuries.
“Having heard from witnesses to the incident and being shown CCTV footage placing O’Leary and his vehicle in the vicinity of the attack, the jury rejected his claim that he was not responsible.
“I hope this conviction provides some closure to the victim and her family.”
O’Leary, from Harrow, will be sentenced at a later date.
