Gang in court over robbery (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Gang in court over robbery

TWO teenagers and a man have admitted the roles they played in a knifepoint robbery near Swindon's Outlet Village.

Eighteen-year-old Jason Davey, of no fixed address pleaded guilty to wounding with intent at Bristol Crown Court yesterday.

He was part of a gang who pounced on a man and pulled a knife on him as he walked home from a Christmas party on Saturday, December 18 last year.

Ten minutes later the gang struck again near the TA Centre, in Church Place, when they cut a student with the knife.

Davey was originally facing a charge of attempted murder but admitted the lesser offence at yesterday's short hearing.

A 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery.

And Paul Dunn, 30, of Park North pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and disposing of a knife with the intent to delay the arrest and prosecution of Davey.

A fourth person, Steven Brown, 18, of no fixed address, is charged with robbery and attempted robbery.

The first attack took place in the early hours of December 18 near the Pattern Store pub, by the Outlet Village shopping centre car park.

The victim was walking home when the group came up to him. They held a knife to his throat and demanded cash.

The terrified man handed over £25 and they let him go after punching him in the face.

Just 10 minutes later the gang launched their second attack, this time on a Swindon student.

He was attacked but no money was taken and he managed to escape.

He suffered wounds to his hand and was taken to the Great Western Hospital.

Speaking after the attacks happened, Detective Sergeant Paul Drever, of Swindon CID, said: "This was a frightening and horrendous experience for both the victims."

The case was provisionally adjourned for sentencing until Tuesday, August 30.

But Judge Thomas Crowther QC said: "It is highly likely it could be longer because we are awaiting reports and it is a case that cries out for all four to be dealt with together."

Davey and Brown were remanded in custody until then.

Dunn and the 17-year-old were released on bail.

Lyndsay Scanlan