Two years for phone theft

AN Edmonton teenager who helped rob a man of his mobile phone at knifepoint has been sentenced to two years in a young offenders institution.

Leeson Coke, 19, of Elizabeth Ride, admitted robbing Aidan Routledge, 19, in Harlow on January 2. Ross Ferrer, 18, of Fairweather Close, Tottenham, denied the charge but was convicted of robbery.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Coke and Ferrer approached Mr Routledge as he walked along a cycle track near Third Avenue, Harlow.

John Bishop, prosecuting, said Coke stood in front of Mr Routledge and Ferrer came up behind him. Both men repeatedly asked him what he had on him and Mr Routledge replied: "I haven't got anything. I am on my way to work."

Coke said: "You are lying. What about your mobile?"

Mr Routledge handed over his £300 mobile phone because he feared he would get a beating.

Coke then said: "What else have you got?"

Mr Routledge looked down and noticed that Coke was pointing a knife towards his stomach. Mr Routledge feared he was going to be stabbed and ran off across the grass verge. He was chased by Ferrer but managed to escape.

Mr Routledge told the jury: "I felt scared for my life. I honestly believed I was going to get stabbed."

Coke and Ferrer were arrested later that evening. When Coke was searched he was found to have Mr Routledge's mobile phone.

Jane Lockyer, defending, said Coke deeply regretted what had happened. It was totally out of character and he had a good name.

Lyall Thompson, for Ferrer, said he played a lesser role in the affair and it might have been that there was an "element of peer pressure in this".

Ferrer was also sentenced to two years in a young offenders institution.

12:27 Wednesday 2nd October 2002

Printer Friendly Format

Send This Page To A Friend

• Wild weekend
• Good hunting in Trent Park
• Teens robbed at gunpoint