Robber's threat to 82-year-old – 'Give me what you’ve got or I’ll knife you'

Michael Royal rode up to the 82-year-old on his bicycle just before midnight on January 4 holding a Stanley knife and told him – 'Give me what you’ve got or I’ll knife you', Teesside Crown Court heard.

The victim was so scared that he told Royal to take what he wanted, and Royal removed his wallet and used his bank cards to pay gas and electricity bills.

The court heard how the scaffolder also attempted to buy £244 worth of goods from Argos.

Paul Rooney, prosecuting, said the victim had been to the Havelock Arms to watch the football on TV and to chat with friends and he described the robber as covering his face and wearing a bright red jacket with the name of a scaffolding firm on the back.

• More news: Ex-serviceman grew cannabis to clear debt with 'unsavoury characters'

The 36-year-old was arrested weeks later and taken to Darlington police station where he denied the offences.

The victim said that he was concerned to find that his attacker lived in the same village where he had always felt safe. The man’s bank reimbursed him so he did not suffer financially.

Michael Royal

Mr Rooney added: "There would appear to be some degree of planning in the defendant waiting for him on the way home less than 200 yards from the victim’s home address.”

Rooney, of Pately Moor Crescent, Darlington but formerly of Pounteys Close, Middleton St George, pleaded guilty to robbery and fraud.

The prosecution offered no evidence against his wife, Kelly Royal, of Pounteys Close, Middleton St George, following his guilty pleas after one of the payments was traced to her.

Michele Turner, defending, said that Royal had been laid off during the pandemic and he had no money for Christmas but he had since been taken back by his employer.

Judge Howard Crowson jailed Royal for three years and one month.

He said: "You told the victim ‘Give me all you’ve got or I’ll knife you’. He did the very sensible thing and allowed you to reach into his pocket.

"You took money and cards before he walked off on your order. That card was then used to pay energy bills and buy groceries and attempt to buy good from Argos, thankfully his money was reimbursed by his bank.

"He was left shaken and concerned about walking home alone from the pub – an 82-year-old man who appeared to enjoy that pastime."