Knife-wielding thug robs woman of £1,100 arcade winnings in Leysdown
CCTV Snaps Violent Robbery
William Smith, 27, was caught on clear CCTV targeting a woman moments after she scooped over £1,000 from a Leysdown arcade fruit machine. The violent robbery unfolded outside the venue on Leysdown Road, where Smith demanded her purse at knifepoint.
Struggle Ends with Purse Stolen
Smith, from Beechwood Drive, Meopham, threatened the victim with a blade and lunged at her. A fierce tussle followed, during which Smith grabbed the purse from the floor and fled the scene. He even lost his hat during the scuffle – recovered by police alongside crucial CCTV footage.
Captured and Convicted
Thanks to a tip-off from the public identifying Smith from CCTV images, police tracked him to Shoreham and arrested him on 2 August following a Crime Squad raid. Despite denying involvement, forensic tests matched his DNA to the seized hat. Held on remand since, Smith pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing a bladed article.
Police Condemn Attack
Detective Constable Dan Bister said: “The levels of violence Smith was prepared to use to steal this money show him to be a clear danger to the public. I welcome the sentence imposed. We will never tolerate offences like this and have secured justice for the victim.”
Smith was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on 16 February 2022.
