A PENSIONER who was robbed in a cemetery as she laid a wreath at the grave of her husband has said she will not let the mugger ruin her life.

The 71-year-old was sent sprawling in the grounds of St Peter's Church in Doffcocker before the thug snatched her handbag and fled with just £18.

Speaking three weeks after the attack on Sunday December 16, the woman said she did not allow her ordeal to spoil her Christmas and would continue to tend the grave.

The amateur poet has now penned an ode to a robber in which she urges him to search his conscience and decide if he is "man or lout".

"I was just tying the wreath on and getting it straight like I've done for 14 years when I was knocked over without any warning," she said.

"I felt a tugging at the strap of my handbag and looked up to see this bloke and I thought he was going to kick me in the head so I let go.

"It was a nasty thing to happen and I hurt my leg and shoulder, but they are getting much better.

"I won't stop tending to my husband's grave because it's like his garden and I felt very safe there until this happened.

"I've got my own limitations in life because of my age and I won't have anybody stopping me from doing what I want."

The victim told how she bravely got to her feet and tried to chase after her attacker while shouting for help, before raising the alarm with worshippers inside the church.

Detectives believe the thief may have lain in wait for an easy target following the early Sunday morning service.

The contents of the victim's bag were found strewn across nearby playing fields.

"It was the most frightening experience of my life," she said.

"I kept having flashbacks lying in my bed and it has taken a long time to get over the shock."

Two men, aged 19 and 33, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed, but remain in custody for other matters.

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5645 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ODE TO A ROBBER

I refuse to be so threatened, and to feel intimidated.

You saw me there on Sunday morning, briefly isolated.

Tending my husband's grave, a Christmas wreath there laying.

The only gift that I can give, the headstone now displaying.

You crept upon me, knocked me over, stole my bag and fled.

I wonder at the thoughts that would be going thro' your head.

Are they now replaced by conscience, or a feeling of regret?

Does it bother you at all that I was injured or upset?

How was Christmas? Was it happy? Well now, mine was happy too.

Though it would have been much better if I'd not met up with you.

But I'll not waste time in fretting, or continuing to grieve.

You'll one day get your just desserts, I truly do believe.

So I'll wait, and hope it's not too long before that day of days.

And perhaps, in time, you'll also seethe error of your ways.

I wish you kind and loving friends to bring the change about.

It's up to you, just think it through, Decide now - man or lout?