A CONVICTED robber will serve at least four-and-a-half years behind bars for robbing a great great grandmother on her 96th birthday.

Michael Nartey, 25, attacked Mary Ann Sear as she walked home from her daughter's house in May.

Nartey hit the 96-year-old woman from behind, knocking her to the ground, before stealing her handbag, which, amongst other things, contained her birthday cards.

She was left on the ground with severe hip injuries and her shoulder bones broken in half.

Mrs Sear died of a heart attack at Northwick Park hospital four days later.

Nartey appeared at Harrow Crown Court today, (Monday, September 10) having pleaded guilty to robbing Mrs Sear, and a second robbery, which happened in March.

He was imprisoned for the public's protection, meaning he must serve the whole of his sentence, less 103 days spent on remand, before being eligible for parole.

If he is then released, he will be on licence for life, meaning further offending will see him returned to prison.

Nartey has already spent a total of seven years in prison for robbery.