Robber tied up victim with shoelaces then left DNA on table

James Lamb waited for his victim to return home before tying him up

A man who tied his victim up with his own shoelaces and held them at knifepoint has been jailed.

James Lamb admitted to tying up a man while wielding a knife after entering a property on Brierley Street, in Bury on 28 May 2023.

The 30-year-old, of Ashwood Avenue, Ramsbottom, left the man tied up before taking his Mercedes car, Greater Manchester Police said.

Lamb appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday where he was jailed for 13 years for attempted robbery.

'Mistaken identity'

The court heard how Lamb entered the property at about 13:30 BST and waited for his victim in a communal area.

When his victim returned home, Lamb, wearing a balaclava, demanded money and drugs - something the victim did not have and was not involved in, police said.

It was then he tied up the man with shoelaces at knifepoint and searched the man's room before leaving and taking his Mercedes.

Neighbours were able to free the man shortly before Lamb fled the scene in the car.

Officers said Lamb was identified via a DNA match after they analysed a table he had leant on in the property.

PC Ben Hubbard said he was glad Lamb was now behind bars.

“This disgusting crime – targeting someone in their own home in what appears to be a case of mistaken identity – shows the complete lack of regards Lamb has for others," he added.