Dangerous Knife-Wielding Robber Jailed for Terrorising Newham Women
A violent thug who targeted lone women in a string of terrifying robberies across Newham has finally been locked up. David Blyth, 30, of Romford Road, E7, was sentenced to nine years behind bars at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 4 March. He must serve an additional seven years on licence after his release.
Cowardly Attacks on Lone Women
Blyth admitted to 11 robberies between July and August 2018, mainly in Stratford and Forest Gate. His victims, women aged 26 to 48, were repeatedly threatened at knifepoint. Most attacks involved stealing the victims’ vehicles.
Police investigations, featuring extensive forensic work, witness interviews, and CCTV review, quickly zeroed in on Blyth. He matched the suspect’s description, appeared on CCTV, and lived near the crime scenes. Notably, Blyth had only been released from prison two days before the first robbery, having served time for a similar knife-point robbery on a lone female in 2015.
Victims Speak Out on Trauma
The harrowing impact on Blyth’s victims was laid bare in court. A 35-year-old woman, strangled during one robbery, said:
“He strangled me until I nearly couldn’t breathe. I was absolutely terrified he was going to kill me. This incident has really affected me emotionally and mentally.”
Another 33-year-old mother was held at knifepoint outside her car with her 15-month-old son inside. She revealed:
“I was petrified. I was very panicked and scared for mine and my son’s safety.”
Other women described sleepless nights, nightmares, shattered confidence, and lasting fear of men. One victim lamented:
“He has taken away my bravery and replaced me with a weak, scared woman.”
Police Praise and Swift Justice
Acting Detective Sergeant Edward Rulton, praised by the judge for his excellent detective work, said:
“These cowardly attacks had a severe impact on the victims. Thanks to the hard work of the team, Blyth faced overwhelming evidence and pleaded guilty to 11 robberies. I’m sure the public feels safer knowing this dangerous individual is behind bars.”
Detective Sergeant Phil Moor added:
“If we hadn’t stopped him when we did, his level of violence would only have increased.”
Full Breakdown of Brutal Attacks
- 19 July, Eastern Road: Blyth grabbed a 35-year-old woman’s mouth, forced her into her own car, then threatened her verbally before she escaped.
- 22 July, Church Road: Armed with a knife, Blyth entered a victim’s car, strangled her, threatened her, and stole cash and phone.
- 23 July, Manbey Street: He threatened a 26-year-old woman with a knife at her head to get the car keys.
- 26 July, Warwick Road: Held a knife to a mother’s face while her toddler was in the car, demanding keys.
- 28 July, Strone Road: Attempted to bite a 48-year-old woman before stealing her vehicle.
- 2 August, Carnarvon Road: Threatened a victim with a knife to her bicep, forcing her out of the car.
- 6 August, Atherton Road: Ordered a woman out of her moving car, then drove off.
- 10 August, Warwick Road: Put a woman in a headlock, stole her phone and backpack.
- 16 August, Bridge Road: Grabbed a woman by the throat, pushed her down, kicked her, and tried to punch her before she escaped.
- 29 August, Atherton Road: Threatened a victim, stole her keys, but she escaped out the passenger door.
- 31 August, The Common: Forced a woman to move in her car before grabbing her bag and running away.
Blyth’s reign of terror finally ended with his arrest on 4 September 2018, bringing relief to Newham’s women.
