A LOCAL pensioner has pronounced himself "very satisfied" this week after the man who mugged him was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment. Michael Galpin, 72, had his wallet snatched in broad daylight after using a cash machine in Alton's High Street. The incident took place on August 26. Last Friday, at Winchester Crown Court, Mr Galpin's assailant, Andrew Beagley, 18, was committed to 12 months in a Young Offenders' Institution. "Relieved to see justice done," Mr Galpin said he agreed with the judge who, in his summing up, had spoken of the need to send out a message that people who commit this type of offence will be dealt with in the severest terms. "I just hope he (Beagley) learns by the experience," said Mr Galpin. "Nobody wants to see a young person locked up but it seems that in the four months since this crime was committed he (Beagley) has not changed his behaviour. "I am just relieved that he will be off the streets for a bit." Mr Galpin has expressed thanks to those who helped give chase when the bag containing his wallet was snatched from his hand and the thief made off down the street. He was also grateful for their help in testifying and enabling the case to come to court.
