A teenager has been jailed after two knifepoint robberies. Luke Paterson, 18, made threats with a blade to steal a motorbike and shoulder bag.
Paterson, formerly of Blaenclydach Street in Grangetown, approached a 17-year-old boy on Boxing Day evening last year in South Park Road, Splott. He threatened to stab the boy if he did not hand over his Yamaha motorbike. The bike was stolen and later found damaged.
"Five months earlier, on July 20, a 21-year-old man was set upon in Clifton Street while walking to his girlfriend’s house," said a South Wales Police spokesperson. "He was threatened with a knife for his bag. He suffered a dislocated shoulder, substantial bruising to his face and eye which continues to cause him pain."
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Paterson admitted the robberies. He was sentenced on July 29 at Cardiff Crown Court to nine years in a young offenders institution.
Detective Sergeant Amanda Newman said: “Both victims and witnesses have been hugely affected by the unprovoked and violent actions of Luke Paterson. We hope this significant sentence reassures them and the wider community.”
A force spokesperson added: "South Wales is a safe place to live, to work and to be, but we will never be complacent, and tackling the harm that knife crime and serious violence cause is an absolute priority for South Wales Police. We urge parents, carers and teachers to speak to young people about the dangers of carrying a knife. While we know it can be difficult to speak up if you think someone is carrying a knife, by doing so you can help ensure that weapon can’t be used to cause serious injury, or worse.
"Our #NotTheOne campaign aims to educate young people on the dangers of carrying a knife by giving parents, teachers and community groups the tools they need to do this. To learn more visit www.nottheone.co.uk." You can read more court stories here.
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