Ferryhill street robber is jailed for alleyway incident

Local officers serving the Ferryhill area were commenting after the perpetrator, Kieran Lee Wynn, was jailed for the incident in which he followed and threatened a man who had just used a cash machine, withdrawing £30, intending to use it to order a takeaway meal.

Wynn, who was with a woman, had seen the man making the withdrawal from an ATM at the Post Office, in Market Street, Ferryhill, at 2.50am on June 30.

Following him down nearby streets, Wynn approached the man and chatted to him.

After turning down an alleyway Wynn asked for £20, but he was refused by the victim who said he needed the money to pay a bill.

Read more: Robber claimed to have knife in Ferryhill street mugging

Wynn then grabbed the man and pinned him to the wall, threatening to punch him, while also claiming to have a knife.

He then searched the man’s pockets and took the £30, before running off, while the victim immediately rang for the police.

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It led to the arrest of Wynn, of Bessemer Street, Ferryhill, who was charged with robbery.

The 30-year-old defendant pleaded guilty at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court on July 31 and was given a 36-month sentence at the court at the sentencing hearing on Friday (October 13).

Sentencing him, Judge James Adkin told Wynn he targeted and followed the victim, having seen him use the cash machine.

He said it was fortunate that the victim appears to have been, “a robust individual”, and has not been as badly affected as he may have been, given the violence and threats.

But the judge added that nevertheless, it was the mention of the knife that appeared to have been of most concern to the victim.

Read next:

• Man stayed at woman's Ferryhill address breaching order 'at her request'
• Assaults came amid harassment of 'ex' in Ferryhill, in July
• Thief who stole detergent worth £78 from Ferryhill Co-op is jailed

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Speaking after the hearing, Ferryhill Sergeant, Peter Newman, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim who was threatened with a knife and assaulted in an alleyway.

“Thankfully, the victim was quick to call us and provide information which led us to identifying Wynn as the suspect.

“I hope the victim can now find some closure in knowing that he is now behind bars.”