Portsmouth Knife Thugs Jailed for Nearly 12 Years
Teen Victim Brutally Attacked Over Christmas Presents
Two robbers have been locked up for a combined 11 and a half years after a spate of violent robberies in Portsmouth. Macauley Toms, 25, and Riley Cragg, 22, were convicted following a terrifying knife-point attack on Wingfield Street.
On the night of 27 December 2019, a 16-year-old boy was threatened with a carving knife before being punched so hard it knocked out one tooth and damaged another. The thugs swiped his Christmas haul, including an Armani bag, Apple AirPods, and shiny new Nike trainers.
Toms and Cragg: Robbery and Multiple Charges
Toms, from Leigh Park, pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months on 4 June. Meanwhile, Cragg, of Portsmouth, faced a trial that uncovered a string of offences.
The jury found Cragg guilty of:
- Robbery with a knife on Wingfield Street
- Dangerous driving on Stamshaw Road
- Robberies targeting teenagers on Twyford Avenue, Hayling Avenue, and Bransbury Park
- Possession of a knife
Cragg was handed a hefty 7-year sentence on 16 September 2020.
Victims Showed Bravery Amidst Violence
“Cragg was involved in a horrendous series of robberies in which teenagers were targeted, threatened and intimidated at knifepoint,” said Police Staff Investigator Gary Sumner.
“During the Wingfield Street attack, the victim was left barefoot in the rain, suffering ongoing dental damage. Both defendants showed no remorse, laughing as they taunted him.
This lengthy police probe by the Portsmouth High Harm Team highlights the extreme stress and violence these robbers inflicted.”
“The victims deserve massive credit for their courage in seeing the case through to the end, helping put these ruthless criminals behind bars.”
