A man has been jailed for robbing another man at knifepoint in Newport town centre.
Late in the evening on 18 January this year, the victim left McDonald’s in Newport and walked down Pyle Street before he heard a voice shouting from behind him.
The man, aged in his 20s, turned around to find 23-year-old Harry White stood around six feet away from him and brandishing a kitchen knife.
White proceeded to make demands for the man’s property. In fear for his safety, the man handed over a mobile phone, some money and bank cards.
Following this, White became more aggressive and held the knife to the man’s throat before demanding the man walk to a nearby cashpoint and withdraw some money.
The man agreed to do so and headed towards the town square before taking the opportunity to seek refuge in The Wheatsheaf pub, where police were called.
White then ran off through the town square but was stopped by police a short while later. Officers recovered some money and a mobile phone before arresting him on suspicion of robbery.
He was charged with robbery and possession of a knife in a public place, both of which he pleaded guilty to when he appeared at Isle of Wight Crown Court on 13 May.
Appearing at the same court today (Tuesday 30 July), White, of Holyrood Street in Newport, was jailed for four and a half years, with an additional three year extended licence period.
Police Staff Investigator Louisa Parkin said:
“This was a terrifying incident in which a man was approached by a complete stranger at night, threatened with a knife, and left extremely fearful for his safety.
“Incidents like these are not only distressing for those affected, but leave the wider community in fear. The victim in this case bravely used his initiative to comply with White’s initial demands before seeking refuge at a nearby pub where he could call for help.
“I hope the public can remain reassured that we take these kinds of reports extremely seriously, and on the night in question officers responded and were able to locate and arrest White quickly to keep the public protected.”
For personal safety advice and information on how to keep yourself protected from street robbery, visit the police website here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/personal-safety-how-to-stay-safe/mugging-street-robbery/
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