Erica Leeder pleads guilty to mugging of 84-year-old woman

A Rockingham woman has pleaded guilty to mugging an 84-year-old woman after being denied money. Erica Stefanie Leslie Leeder, 34, faced Rockingham Magistrates Court via video link on Friday, charged with disorderly behaviour, two counts of drug possession and stealing. Prosecutor Sen. Sgt Mick Fallows told the court on April 27 about 5.22 pm Leeder was arrested in relation to another matter. She had with her a Coles basket and stolen grocery items. A glass smoking implement was found on her at the time of her arrest. On March 18, 2022 about 1.15pm the 84-year-old victim was driving her gopher along Read Street in Rockingham when she was approached by Leeder. Leeder asked the victim if she had any money and when the victim said she didn’t, Leeder snatched the victim’s basket from the gopher and her magnifying glass. There was a brief tussle between the victim and Leeder, as the woman tried to stop Leeder from fleeing with her belongings. A witness nearby heard the victim’s screams and came outside to confront Leeder. Leeder walked away from the scene, but the wittness was able to give directions to her whereabouts. Police also said on May 2, Leeder was asked to change into a smock to be strip searched while in lock-up, when she became aggressive and abusive towards officers, physically striking on female officer to the abdomen. The matter was briefly adjourned to allow duty lawyer Samudu Hemachandra to speak with Leeder in relation to the matter. Magistrate Joe Randazzo sentenced Leeder to an eight-month community-based order with program and requirements.