Robbery suspect caught by cartoon
17jan06
A MAN who allegedly robbed a renowned Victorian cartoonist has been caught, thanks to a detailed caricature drawn by his victim.
Police said the cartoonist, Bill `Weg' Green, who is famous for his drawings of AFL Grand Final teams, offered to draw a picture of the robber when police arrived at his home in Melbourne's east.
Mr Green, 82, had been confronted by the robber in the carport of his Heathmont home on Saturday morning, police said.
The robber tried to assault Mr Green, then stole a red racing bicycle from the rear shed, Senior Constable Michael Henry said.
Police who attended the scene took the drawing with them to meet other officers who had arrested a man for another theft nearby.
"Holding up the cartoon, both members were amazed to find it was the spitting image of the arrested man in the back of the divisional van," Senior Constable Henry said. A 34-year-old Boronia man was interviewed in relation to burglary, theft and unlawful assault and was to face court at a later date.