A Crawley man who used dating apps to lure older men into an alley before threatening them with a smashed glass bottle and robbing them has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Erasmus Darkwah, 29, of Northgate Road, carried out a series of robberies between April and June this year, targeting both strangers and individuals he arranged to meet through dating platforms. He appeared at Lewes Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
Pattern of Incidents
Darkwah’s first victim, a man in his 30s, was walking through an alleyway off Northgate Road on April 14 when Darkwah approached and robbed him of his phone. Over the following months, Darkwah escalated his crimes by luring two men in their 40s and 50s, whom he met through dating apps, to the same alley. He threatened them with a smashed bottle and stole their phones.
On June 2, a man in his 20s walking through the alley was also confronted by Darkwah. However, the victim managed to escape without surrendering his belongings. Darkwah was arrested on June 3 and later charged with his crimes.
Victim Impact and Sentencing
Detective Inspector Martin Drabble, who oversaw the investigation, described the pattern of incidents as “concerning for the community.”
He stated: “To put your trust into someone, only for them to rob and threaten you, is shocking. This sentence should act as a deterrent for potential offenders and show that we will investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.”
Darkwah’s crimes have raised awareness about the dangers of online interactions and the importance of exercising caution when meeting strangers.
Community Safety Message
Sussex Police have emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly when meeting individuals from dating apps. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and to arrange public, well-lit meeting locations when engaging with new acquaintances.
The case highlights the critical role of law enforcement in addressing crimes that exploit trust and vulnerability, ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions.
