A woman has given birth five weeks early after being robbed at Sydney's Royal Easter Show.
Jane Timson was 34 weeks pregnant and sitting on a mobility scooter when the attack occurred.
Remarkably, she gave chase and followed them into the food dome, where she tripped and fell heavily on her stomach. She was given first aid at the scene before being taken to hospital, where she went into premature labour.
Her baby, Roman, was born five weeks early, at Westmead Hospital. He weighs 2.9 kilograms, is 43 centimetres in length and is being monitored closely.
Jane has since given a Facebook update letting friends and family know that Roman is "going well" despite his ordeal.
This is such a sad and unnecessary incident and a reminder that thieves will target anyone, especially the vulnerable.
The new mum and her partner run rides at the show. At the time of the attack, Jane was carrying bags contained about $10,000 worth of tickets.
I wonder what she was thinking when she gave chase. I can only imagine that it was instinct. Those bags contained her livelihood, so she probably gave chase without thinking the two men – or the situation – could have been dangerous to herself or her unborn child.
Police want to talk to anyone who later bought cheap ride tickets at the show or anyone who saw the incident. They are looking for two men about 18 years old, of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean appearance. The men were carrying bum bags as they ran into the food dome and one was wearing a black singlet.
A Royal Agricultural Society of NSW spokeswoman said they are working closely with police to find the culprits.
