Two sentenced for drug-fueled, strong-arm robbery

A man who assaulted and robbed a woman as she withdrew money from a Griswold ATM last summer and the woman who drove the getaway car were sentenced this morning in New London Superior Court.

Kirk R. Frew, 44, of Norwich was sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years probation for third-degree robbery. Patricia A. Gluck-Rape, 39, of Norwich was sentenced to two years in prison followed by three years of probation for accessory to third-degree robbery.

The victim, Katie Vane, had just withdrawn $120 at the Putnam Savings Bank on Voluntown Road when Frew accosted her, pinned her to the wall and then to the floor and wrestled with her for her purse and the money. Kirk fled in a red Dodge Neon driven by Gluck-Rape. They were arrested a short time later in Plainfield on robbery and narcotics charges.

The victim was in court with friends, family members and her infant daughter. She said the incident, which occurred while she was pregnant, had traumatized her.

Frew and Gluck-Rape apologized.

“I just want to say I’m really sorry for what happened, and it wouldn’t have happened if not for drugs,” said Gluck-Rape.

During a presentencing investigation, Frew, who had a solid work history, admitted he had been using cocaine and heroin for a few years before the robbery. Judge Patrick J. Clifford told him the courts have programs to help defendants with substance abuse problems.

However, Clifford said, “When your drug problem does victimize other people, we’re more concerned with punishment and deterrence,” Clifford said.