Cambridge teenager detained after knifepoint e-bike robbery in public park
A 16-year-old has been sentenced to more than two years in youth detention after threatening a boy with a knife and stealing his e-bike in Cherry Hinton rec
A teenager has been locked up after robbing a 15-year-old boy at knifepoint in Cambridge. The robbery took place in broad daylight at Cherry Hinton recreation ground on 2 April.
Members of the public called 999 at about 6.25pm after seeing teenagers fighting, one of them armed with a large kitchen knife. The victim had been riding his e-bike when two 16-year-old boys approached him. One of them pulled out a knife and tried to stab him while demanding the bike.
The victim got off the bike and struggled with the boy to try and get the knife. He suffered minor injuries to his face, stomach and hands during the scuffle. He managed to run off with the knife and threw it in a nearby bush before asking for help.
The second teenager then rode away on the stolen e-bike. A bystander filmed the incident, helping police identify and arrest both suspects the next day.
At Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday 21 May, the teenager who held the knife, from Cambridge, was sentenced to two years and four months in youth detention after admitting to robbery and having a knife in public.
The second teenager, from Little Shelford, pleaded guilty to robbery and was given a two-year youth rehabilitation order. He must attend ten reparation sessions and follow a curfew from 6pm to 7am every day for six months.
Judge Andrew Hurst said the first boy’s behaviour was “wholly reckless with a highly dangerous weapon” and described him as “totally out of control.” He added: “You are old enough to know what you are doing and make choices.”
The second boy was also called “out of control” but was given a final chance because he had no previous offences.
Detective Constable Antonio Fernandez said: “This incident happened in broad daylight in a busy area of Cambridge with many people around. It was a miracle the victim was not seriously hurt or gravely injured.
“This case highlights the dangers of carrying a knife. Young people may think it makes them feel more secure, part of a group or somehow gives them protection but the reality is that one wrong move or decision could end a life.
“The message is clear that knives ruin lives. Do not carry weapons, do not carry knives.”