A mum and son who were found guilty of robbing and stabbing of a 75-year-old man outside his home have been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment each for the ‘despicable crime’.

Joanne Hatwell, 46, of Milldenhall House, Harold Hill, and her 27-year-old son Ryan were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court this morning (Thursday, October 11) following the incident in April.

Mr Hatwell pleaded guilty to stabbing Harold Jarvis of Retford Close, Harold Hill, four times in the leg before she stole his wallet from his back pocket which contained £600.

Defence for Ryan Hatwell, Peter Beddingfield, described his client as a ‘troubled young man’ who has a personality disorder, ADHD and depression.

Mr Beddingfield then stated that he was taking a course in prison to help deter him from drug abuse and is “optimistic” that he will continue to stay away from drugs upon his release.

Defence for Joanne Hatwell, Archangelo Power, reiterated that she “has made it abundantly clear that she did not know a knife was being carried” and so argued that she should get a lesser sentence.

He also believed her mental health issues were a mitigating factor.

Judge Judith Hughes however said Joanne Hatwell was the main person behind the incident as she “befriended” Mr Jarvis beforehand.

She said: “It is the most despicable crime one can imagine and in terms of robbing the vulnerable man, the main responsibility for the plot has to lie with the female defendant, Joanne Hatwell.

“She has not had an easy time not only in her childhood but in her adulthood but she knows the difference between right and wrong.

“The crime was committed because of her knowledge of mr Jarvis and her belief that he was a vulnerable old man and an easy target.” Joanne Hatwell was given an eight year sentence for robbery and Ryan received an eight year sentence for both robbery and stabbing Mr Jarvis.