Thug behind bars for stab threat to teenager

A THUG who threatened to stab a 15-year-old boy in the neck if he didn't give him a cigarette at Bexhill railway station has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jul 2011, 18:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:38 BST

Dean Walker, 24, of Park Farm Close, Etchingham, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court last Friday (July 15) after pleading guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a bladed article, obstructing a police officer and two breaches of an Antisocial Behaviour Disorder (ASBO).

Detective Constable Vanessa Cottington, of British Transport Police (BTP), said the incident took place around 3.15pm on Tuesday November 16, 2010.

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She said: “Walker approached the victim and two friends on platform two at Bexhill and produced a knife, telling the victim he’d ‘jab’ him in the throat unless he gave him a cigarette.

“Fortunately the victim was able to get away and join his friends on a train that had just pulled into the station.

“Walker tried to board the train, but was barred from doing so by the conductor.”

After railway staff reported a drunken man waving a knife around at the station, BTP officers attended and arrested Walker.

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He was later further arrested for the attempted robbery after the victim, who was from Rye, reported the incident at the town’s police station and gave a highly-accurate description of Walker to officers.

DC Cottington added: “This type of behaviour is despicable and will always be met with zero tolerance from police.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the victim because despite being confronted by what must have been a frightening situation, he remained composed enough to give officers a meticulous account of what took place and a detailed description of Walker, right down to the fact he has two teeth missing.

“With the weight of evidence against him, Walker had no option but to plead guilty.

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“We welcome the sentence handed down to Dean Walker and hope it sends out a clear message about the consequences for those who think it’s acceptable to target innocent people.”

Walker was sentenced to three years in prison for attempted robbery whilst in possession of a knife.

He was also sentenced to one month in prison for obstructing a police officer, six months for possessing a bladed article and six months for breaching his ASBO.

These three sentences will all run concurrent with each other but consecutive to the attempted robbery.

PICTURED: Dean Walker

Related topics:Bexhill