Man jailed for Christmas Eve knifepoint robbery

Adam Downey held stole a phone, keys and wallet from his victim

A teenager has been jailed after a knifepoint robbery on Christmas Eve where he stole a mobile phone.

Adam Downey, 19, of Winnycroft Lane in Matson, Gloucester, pleaded guilty to robbery on 21 July and was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment on Friday.

Downey held his victim at knifepoint near Cainscross Road in Stroud, Gloucestershire, after dragging him to the floor and pulling him into undergrowth.

Gloucestershire Police said CCTV identified Downey and ten days after the attack arrested him when he tried to sell the phone to a shop in Gloucester.

Downey also stole the victim's wallet and keys before fleeing in the direction of Gannicox and Burford Drive.

The victim reported the incident to police at about 02:00 GMT and officers contacted second hand mobile phone sellers in Gloucestershire during the investigation.

CCTV captured Downey walking around Stroud town centre before the attack.

Ten minutes after the incident, he was spotted at a supermarket on Stratford Road, throwing items out of a wallet and looking at a phone.

'Relieved'

Despite being presented with CCTV footage, Downey refused to provide an account of what happened and was released on police bail.

In July 2024, he answered bail and was presented with further evidence but refused to comment again. Downey was charged with one count of robbery after the case was re-submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.

PC Richard Smith from the Stroud Local Policing Area said: ""I am relieved that Downey was identified and has been sentenced for his actions."

"He took it upon himself to follow a man who had been out for the evening with friends. As the man made his way home, he was attacked by Downey who made off with items belonging to him."