A man has been jailed after enquiries by officers proved that he had used a knife to threaten and rob another man in Stroud.
Adam Downey, aged 19 and of Winnycroft Lane in Matson, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday (10 October) where he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
He had pleaded guilty to robbery during an earlier court appearance.
The court heard how police were called at around 2am on 24th December 2023 with a report that an unknown man had grabbed another man from behind before pulling him to the floor and dragging him into undergrowth close to Cainscross Road.
The offender then threatened the man with a knife and demanded that he hand over his personal property.
He took the victim’s Google Pixel 8 phone, wallet and keys before fleeing in the direction of Gannicox Road and Burford Drive.
The victim was not physically injured but shaken by what happened and so contacted police.
An investigation was launched which saw officers conduct extensive CCTV enquires and contact second hand mobile phone sellers in the county.
CCTV enquires captured the suspect wandering around Stroud town centre shortly before the attack. Downey’s identity was established from this footage after officers recognised him.
Downey was also captured on CCTV at a supermarket on Stratford Road around 10 minutes after the attack. This footage showed him throwing items out of a wallet and looking at a phone.
10 days after the attack, on 3 January 2024, police were contacted by staff at a shop in Gloucester who reported that a person was wanting to sell a phone which matched the description of the one that had been stolen.
Police arrived a short time later and Downey was arrested.
During interview Downey was shown CCTV which had been gathered, and it was established that he was wearing the same clothing at the time as those worn by the offender on the night.
Despite this development Downey refused to provide an account of what happened and so was released on police bail.
In July 2024, Downey answered bail and was presented with further evidence but again refused to make any comment.
The CPS decided that further evidence was needed and therefore Downey’s bail was extended.
The investigation continued and the case was later re-submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service. As a result of this Downey was charged with one count of robbery.
PC Richard Smith from the Stroud Local Policing Area said: “On the evening in question, just a couple of nights before Christmas, Downey found himself wandering the streets of Stroud.
“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.
“I am relieved that Downey was identified and has been sentenced for his actions.”
