Southampton Mugger Jailed After Robbing Teen at Knife Point
A 36-year-old man has been locked up for nearly five years after robbing a 17-year-old boy in Southampton. Suraj Singh Bhakar, of Derby Road, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, 14 June, after pleading guilty to robbery.
Teen Terrified as Mugger Threatens with Knife
The terrifying incident happened at around 7.30pm on 23 September 2019. The 17-year-old was walking along Princes Street when Bhakar shouted at him to stop. Fearing for his safety, the boy fled to the nearby Esso petrol station on Northam Road and locked himself in the customer toilet.
Bhakar followed him inside and continued yelling threats, demanding money while threatening to stab the teen. After some tense moments, the frightened boy opened the door, and Bhakar snatched two £10 notes from his pockets before making off.
Police Crack Down on Violent Crime
Southampton police launched an investigation and soon identified Bhakar as the culprit. Along with the robbery sentence, Bhakar was handed an extra three months for breaching a suspended sentence.
“This was a terrifying incident for the victim who was simply walking to the shop,” said Detective Sergeant Oliver Battersby. “I hope this sentence sends a clear message that violent crime of any kind will not be tolerated. We will do everything we can to take offenders off our streets and keep our communities safe.”
