Knife-wielding thug jailed after terrifying daylight attacks on two in Accrington
Early morning mugging spree on Broadway
Anthony Clarke, 39, sparked panic on Broadway, Accrington, in the early hours of February 8. At 6:10am, he confronted his first victim, demanding cash and threatening to stab him. Luckily, the man escaped and raised the alarm.
Second victim battered and robbed minutes later
Just 10 minutes after the first attack, Clarke targeted a woman walking to work. He yelled for money, claimed he had a knife, then grabbed her coat and pulled out a blade. The thug shoved her to the ground, breaking her wrist, before fleeing with her mobile phone.
Swift police action leads to arrest and jail
Police arrived promptly and arrested Clarke at 6:35am. Without a fixed address, he was charged with robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a bladed article. Clarke pleaded guilty and was locked up for five years and four months at Preston Crown Court last week.
Officer praises quick arrest and public help
DC Lindsay Bull, EAST CID, said: “I welcome the custodial sentence handed down to Clarke. He terrified both of his victims while they simply walked down the high street.”
“I would like to thank the passers-by who helped the victims and assisted our investigation. This shows how vital it is to report serious crimes immediately. Thanks to swift action, Clarke was arrested within 25 minutes after committing two offences.”
