Former Droylsden speedway star jailed for robbing vulnerable people

A former speedway star has been jailed for seven and a half years after robbing vulnerable people in Droylsden.

Jason Garrity, a former British Under-19 Champion, was sentenced yesterday at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after pleading guilty to burglary, robbery and two counts of attempting to commit fraud.

They heard how on 10 April 2020 Garrity forced his way into the property of a bed-bound man and demanded that he handed over all his money. He took his wallet and other items then attempted to use his bank card to withdraw money but was unsuccessful.

Four days later, Garrity followed a woman on a mobility scooter home, opening her door and brandishing a knife, demanding she hand over money before stealing her bag with bank cards.

The woman was able to block her cards before Garrity was able to make a purchase at a nearby newsagent.

Detective Constable Natalie Fairhurst of GMP's Tameside District said: "These were despicable crimes in which Garrity appears to have deliberately targeted vulnerable members of the community.

"Thankfully, no-one was injured during these incidents, but the psychological effects of Garrity's actions have been considerable.

"He now has a long time behind bars to consider the harm he has caused.

"I hope that this sentence offers the man and woman he targeted some form of closure and helps them move on from the ordeals Garrity put them through."