One of five men who violently robbed three elderly women at Dapto last year has been sentenced to a minimum 18 months in jail.Alex Salent, 19, of Falls Creek, had pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery in company and one of attempted robbery in company.During sentencing in Wollongong District Court yesterday, Judge Paul Conlon said Salent had participated in a despicable, pathetic attack on the women.About 6.20am on October 14 last year, Salent and four others went to Dapto railway station, in a car they stole at Kiama earlier that day.Salent and two others got out and tried to grab the women's handbags, dragging them closer to the car as they resisted.One victim was pushed to the ground and another dragged a short distance, as her attackers tried to drive out of the railway station car park. She was still holding the bag's strap.All three victims were treated at hospital for injuries sustained in the attack.Salent was linked to the car by DNA analysis.At the time of the offence, Judge Conlon said, Salent had been leading an aimless life involving alcohol and drugs. He initially pleaded not guilty and was committed to stand trial, but changed his plea on October 30.Judge Conlon said Salent was a very young man and rehabilitation took on particular significance during the sentencing process.Salent has been in custody since October 14 last year and will be released on parole on April 13.Stephen Ashley Barker, 24, of Nowra, and Robert Paul Turner, 29, of Nowra, are serving jail sentences for their part in the attack.The cases against co-offenders Daniel Sebbens, 29, of Worrigee, and Aaron Stewart, 23, of Nowra, have yet to be finalised.