Man jailed after stabbing victim in the chest

Robert Elkes was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison

A man has been jailed for more than 12 years after he stabbed a man in the chest with a Stanley knife in York.

Robert Elkes, 31, was riding a bike in the city centre shortly after midday on 3 June when his victim spotted him on Walmgate and tried to run away.

The defendant, of no fixed abode, chased the 33-year-old man before stabbing him, causing a one-inch wound that penetrated his lung.

Elkes rode away from the scene while a nearby member of the public gave the victim first aid.

York Crown Court heard the attack had been captured on a driver's dashcam and a police officer had recognised Elkes, leading to his arrest.

His home was searched and the Stanley knife was found, as well as a white mountain bike that matched the one in the CCTV footage.

Elkes fled the scene on a white mountain bike

Following the sentencing earlier, Det Con Alex Dorlin said: "This was a violent attack that left the victim with a collapsed lung.

"Though Elkes denied involvement at first, overwhelming evidence forced a guilty plea, despite the victim's reluctance to engage with the investigation.

"Even without victim co-operation, we pursue justice relentlessly."

Elkes was sentenced to seven years and six months for wounding with intent and possession of a knife and five years extended prison licence for separate unrelated charges of robbery and fraud.

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