Thugs Rob Electric Bike Buyer at Machete Point
Keenan Hilditch and Jayden O’Donnell faced Manchester Crown Court on Friday, 9 December 2022, after a terrifying robbery involving a £3,300 electric bike. The pair preyed on a buyer who answered a Facebook Marketplace ad for a 2022 Surron LBX off-road e-bike.
Robbery Turns Violent with Machete Attack
Hilditch, already on a suspended sentence for robbery, pleaded guilty to robbery, Section 20 assault, and possession of a bladed article. He was slammed with a hefty four years and seven months behind bars.
O’Donnell, who also admitted to robbery, got a 22-month Detention and Training Order (DTO).
Buyer and Family Left Bloodied After Bike Snatch
The victim, accompanied by his girlfriend and father, met Hilditch who said O’Donnell was bringing the bike. After the buyer agreed on a £3,300 price, O’Donnell arrived with the bike but no charger. He returned shortly with a bag he claimed held the charger.
When the victim tried to collect his bike, Hilditch whipped out a 12-inch machete, snatched both the bike and cash, and fled. The victim’s father gave chase but was slashed multiple times on his forearms. Thankfully, his wounds weren’t serious but needed hospital treatment.
Police Praise Teamwork That Nabbed Dangerous Duo
Ring doorbell footage captured the violent attack, helping officers identify the culprits. PC Sean Bell of GMP’s Xcalibre Task Force said:
“This was a premeditated robbery where extreme violence was used on a father protecting his son from these thugs. It took a huge investigative effort from Operation Valiant and Xcalibre Task Force officers working together to bring down this threat. Taking these two off the streets will protect the public from further robberies.”
