A 70-year-old man has been locked up for nearly three years after a terrifying six-month crime spree rocked Nottingham. Oliver Herbert’s shocking offences ranged from threatening to castrate his support worker with a multi-tool to intimidating a tram inspector and burgling his own neighbour’s flat.
Nottingham on Edge for Six Months
Between March and October 2024, Herbert unleashed a relentless wave of crime that left Nottingham residents fearing for their safety. At Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Julie Warburton slammed his “appalling catalogue of offending” all committed within days of each other.
“You stole a bag from a woman living in the same complex as you. Then you lunged at a ticket inspector who was just doing his job.”
Threats, Theft & Intimidation Rampage
- Burgled a grieving neighbour’s flat, snatching her bag while she was moving.
- Grabbed a tram ticket inspector’s lanyard in a violent outburst after being challenged over a fare.
- Stole shoes from Marks & Spencer and brandished a knife at security staff.
- Hit a British Heart Foundation charity shop in his final act of theft on October 1st.
- Most chillingly, after a row at the Priory in West Bridgford, threatened his support worker with a multi-tool, snarling: “You don’t know who I am.”
From Stable Living to Knife-Carrying Chaos
Herbert, from Forster Street, pleaded guilty to burglary, threatening behaviour, possession of offensive weapons, and drug offences. Prosecutor Devni Kitulagoda painted a grim picture of increasing violence and theft.
Defence lawyer Digby Johnson revealed Herbert had 24 court appearances for 47 offences but noted a downward trend from 2014 to 2023. “Controlled drugs became an issue last year and led to aggression,” he said.
Despite stable housing for five years, Herbert became homeless, started carrying a knife “for his own protection,” and spiralled into chaos.
“Sitting in custody, he realises his life has careered off the rails.”
Judge Slams Herbert with 2½ Years Behind Bars
Judge Warburton handed Herbert a 2½ year prison sentence for his shocking crime spree. Nottingham can now breathe easier with this dangerous criminal behind bars.
