Dangerous Robber Who Terrorised Newham Women Jailed for Nine Years
A brutal and cowardly criminal who preyed on lone women in Newham has been locked up for nine years. David Blyth, 30, from Romford Road, E7, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 4 March. He must serve the full term behind bars and an additional seven years on licence.
11 Shocking Knife-Point Robberies Across Newham
Blyth admitted 11 terrifying robberies targeting women aged 26 to 48 between July and August 2018. Most attacks happened at knifepoint in Stratford and Forest Gate, where he frequently stole victims’ cars.
Victims describe harrowing ordeals that left them shaken and traumatised:
- A 35-year-old woman was strangled and pushed into her car’s centre console. “I was terrified he was going to kill me,” she said.
- A mother with her 15-month-old son threatened with a knife at her car. “I was petrified for my son and myself,” she revealed.
- Another victim suffered flashbacks and paranoia, now scared of men she once trusted. “He’s turned me from a confident woman into a scared one,” she said.
How Cops Caught Blyth
North East CID detectives launched a thorough investigation, pouring over CCTV and interviewing victims and witnesses. Blyth’s previous convictions and proximity to crime scenes put him in the spotlight.
He had just been released from prison days before the spree began. Caught on camera lurking near crime spots and identified by victims, Blyth was arrested on 4 September 2018.
“Blyth is a very dangerous individual. The public will feel safer knowing he’s behind bars,” said Acting Detective Sergeant Edward Rulton, who received a commendation for his work.
Detailed Timeline of Blyth’s Crimes
- 19 July: 35-year-old grabbed around the mouth in her car on Eastern Road, forced into passenger seat before escaping.
- 22 July: Knife-wielding robbery on Church Road where victim was strangled.
- 23 July: 26-year-old threatened with knife in Manbey Street; car stolen.
- 26 July: 33-year-old robbed at knifepoint with baby in car on Warwick Road.
- 28 July: 48-year-old attacked after shopping in Strone Road; car stolen.
- 2 August: 27-year-old forced out of car with knife on Carnarvon Road.
- 6 August: Victim forced out of car on Atherton Road; car stolen.
- 10 August: 31-year-old woman tackled and robbed on Warwick Road.
- 16 August: Victim attacked and bag snatched on Bridge Road.
- 29 August: 41-year-old threatened and car stolen on Atherton Road.
- 31 August: Woman pushed in car and robbed on The Common.
Justice Served but Scars Remain
The victims are still recovering from the psychological and emotional damage caused by Blyth’s spree. They thank the police for bringing him to justice but warn that the fear he inflicted runs deep.
Detective Sergeant Phil Moor added: “Without our team’s relentless efforts, this dangerous man’s violence would have only got worse. He’s off the streets now, but the impact on victims lingers.”
