Gillingham knifepoint robber jailed
A knifepoint robber who stole wallets from two men has been jailed for 10 years and 9 months. Brian Williams, of Duncan Road, Gillingham, committed one offence in Gillingham in July 2019 and the other in Folkestone in April 2019. The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday 2 October. The first offence took place on 24 April when Williams followed a man to his home address in Foord Road, Folkestone. As the victim reached his gate Williams grabbed him, pulled a knife from his sleeve and threatened to stab him if he did not hand over his money. Williams then snatched the man’s wallet and ran away. The second offence took place on 22 July in Gillingham High Street where Williams approached a man and attempted to steal his wallet. When the victim tried to stop him, Williams got out a knife. He then grabbed the wallet and ran off. CCTV evidence connected Williams to the robberies and he was arrested by officers the following day after he was recognised as matching the description of the suspect. Williams was sentenced to 10 years and 9 months imprisonment. Investigating officer, PC Nicola Emery said: ‘Williams showed complete disregard for the fear and distress that threatening a person with a knife causes. ‘There is no justification for such behaviour and I am pleased he will no longer threaten innocent members of the public.’
