In a disturbing incident, a young boy cried out in fear as a man attacked his pregnant mother, trying to rob her on the streets of Eccles, Salford. The robber, identified as Ryan Shaw, 43, had engaged in a chat with the mother and her child while they were waiting at the Lloyd's TSB in the town center.

The woman had mentioned she was four months pregnant. Shaw observed her as she exited the bank, counting money from an envelope, and attempted to grab it. In their struggle, the cash dropped, allowing Shaw to seize the opportunity and flee with the envelope, while the boy shouted in protest.

The criminal, upon arrest, had disguised himself by shaving his beard and wearing glasses. Hailing from Irlam, Shaw confessed to the crime. On October 10, he received a sentence of one year and eight months in prison at the Manchester Crown Court.

Brian Berlyne, the prosecutor, explained that the event unfolded around 12:30 PM on May 22, this year. The woman had been at the bank to collect a Universal Credit payment amounting to £900.

While in the queue, Shaw, a stranger to the victim, engaged her in conversation. She mistook his interest for friendliness. Surveillance footage captured Shaw observing her as she left the bank with her son, indicating his intent.

After departing the queue, Shaw approached the expectant mother from behind outside the bank. Taken by surprise, she struggled to retain her envelope.

The woman was subsequently taken to the hospital, but fortunately, she and her unborn child were unharmed. A bank employee, who had served Shaw the prior day, recognized him, aiding the police in capturing him.

Berlyne commented on Shaw's attempts to alter his appearance to evade detection. The victim expressed her disbelief and fear through a statement saying, "I never imagined this could happen, especially in front of my child. It's frightening to feel unsafe in the middle of a bustling town during the day."

She emphasized her fear, especially given Shaw was aware of her pregnancy, questioning his compassion. Shaw has a history of 15 prior theft-related convictions. His lawyer, Steven Sullivan, conveyed Shaw's remorse, acknowledging his behavior as influenced by personal turmoil and alcohol abuse.

In delivering the sentence, Recorder Alexandra Simmonds criticized Shaw's actions as deliberate and exploitative, targeting the woman due to her vulnerability. Shaw was also ordered to pay £900 in compensation and received an indefinite restraining order against further contact with the victim.