Man Sentenced To 40 Years For Beating Disabled Vet With Walker

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- After 35 minutes of deliberation, a jury found 39-year-old Harold Stewart guilty of robbing and beating a disabled Army veteran with his own walker.

St. Petersburg Police detectives arrested Stewart for the armed robbery and assault of Jeffery Hardeman, 66, at the Walmart at 201 34th St. N., St. Petersburg, on Sept. 8, 2016.

On Sept. 2, 2016, at 1:04 p.m., Hardeman was walking through the Walmart parking lot using his walker when he was approached by Stewart who placed him in a choke hold, threw Hardeman to the ground and began punching him and beating him with his walker. He then stole Hardeman's wallet and other personal items.

Upon learning about the crime, retired New York police officer Joseph M. Abolafia gave Hardeman a check for $600 to replace the money he lost in the robbery.

Stewart was sentenced on Monday, Oct. 22, to 40 years in prison.

Image via St. Pete Police

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