A man has been charged with assaulting disabled pensioner Alan Barnes which sparked an internet fundraising campaign raising more than £300,000.
Mr Barnes, who is 4ft 6in and visually impaired, broke his collarbone when he was knocked to the ground outside his home in Gateshead on January 25.
Beautician Katie Cutler set up an online funding campaign with the original intention to raise £500 for the 67-year-old to buy new curtains and carpets.
Richard Gatiss, 25, of Gateshead, has been charged with assault and intent to rob following the mugging, police said.
Chief Superintendent Andy McDyer, of Northumbria Police, said: "I'd like to reassure people that since this happened we've been relentless in our investigation and in following up lines of inquiry.
"In the early hours of Monday, officers made an arrest in connection with the investigation and this man has now been charged and is progressing through the court process."
The internet fund was halted by Mr Barnes’s family last week with donations standing at more than £329,000 after the appeal went around the world.
Gatiss will appear at Gateshead Magistrates' Court later today.
