Man jailed for four years for knifepoint robbery

Nathan Penwell tried to steal a woman's mobile phone in Harehills in April

A man who threatened a woman with a knife as he tried to steal her mobile phone has been jailed for four years.

Nathan Penwell, 32, of no fixed address, approached the woman on Harehills Road in Harehills, Leeds, on the evening of 27 April.

Police said when she refused to hand over her phone, Penwell pushed her to the ground and had to be restrained by members of the public who intervened.

He admitted robbery, possession of a knife in a public place and assault of an emergency worker and was jailed at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.

West Yorkshire Police said people who saw the attack pinned Penwell to a wall until officers arrived.

He was arrested but while in the police vehicle, repeatedly banged his head on the cage inside and headbutted an officer's arm as she tried to stop him from hurting himself.

Det Sgt Seb Horan, of Leeds District Crime Team, said: "The actions of Penwell were shocking and the community were very concerned by the incident which was evident by the amount of people who intervened."

Penwell was also ordered to pay a fine of £228.

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