A robber in Barry, identified as Brandon Thompson, aged 20, threatened a teenager by saying “don’t make me shank you” before stealing his bike. This incident occurred on October 6, when Thompson approached a group of teenagers and aggressively demanded possessions from them. With a hand near his waistband insinuating he had a weapon, he proceeded to grab one of the teenagers, pushing him against a wall and hitting him. Despite the victim’s initial refusal, Thompson’s violent actions led to the theft of the teenager’s bike as a result of fear and intimidation.
Following this incident, Thompson continued his criminal activities by stealing an electric scooter from a man he had approached for a light. Exploiting the victim’s kindness, Thompson took advantage of the situation and made off with the scooter. CCTV footage later aided in identifying Thompson, leading to his arrest at his residence, where the stolen scooter was found. During the sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Thompson had also assaulted a woman after attempting to attack her boyfriend during a confrontation in Barry on a prior occasion.
At the court hearing, Thompson pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating, affray, robbery, and theft. Despite expressing remorse for his actions, Thompson’s lawyer attributed his client’s unclear recollection of events to drug misuse, specifically being under the influence of Valium. The judge, Carl Harrison, sentenced Thompson to three years of detention in a young offenders’ institute, with a provision to serve half the sentence in custody and the remainder under licence upon release. The severity of Thompson’s crimes and the impact on his victims were considered in the sentencing decision.
The robbery and assaults committed by Brandon Thompson serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by individuals in their daily lives. The incidents demonstrate the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. The sentencing of Thompson highlights the legal consequences awaiting those who engage in criminal behaviour, sending a strong message to deter others from following a similar path. Ultimately, the resolution of this case signifies a form of justice for the victims involved, providing a sense of closure and reassurance to the community impacted by Thompson’s actions.