'Cowardly' man jailed for robbing vulnerable passengers in Birmingham stations
Carl Oliver, 37, attacked two people in two different train stations in April 2023.
A man has been handed a jail sentence after admitting to attacking two people in two separate robberies in Birmingham.
Carl Oliver, 37, of no fixed abode, first targeted a woman at Four Oaks railway station on 11 April 2023. He followed her to a secluded area before pushing her and blocking her from leaving. She attempted to call the police, but he snatched her phone.
As the woman began shouting for help, Oliver started to shove and threaten her, saying: “You’re gonna get it.”
Oliver then walked off with the woman’s phone, before travelling to Gravelly Hill railway station where, less than half an hour later, the second robbery occurred.
While at the station, Oliver noticed a man helping his girlfriend onto a train on the next platform. The train left, leaving the man alone and isolated.
Oliver approached him and started blocking his path, before he pushed him over and stole his phone, telling him to claim it on his insurance.
DC Andrew Grant from the British Transport Police said: “Oliver is a particularly dangerous and cowardly offender, targeting lone vulnerable people for his own gain.
“I am extremely pleased with the sentence handed down, and hope that it gives Oliver time to reflect on his actions.”
Oliver has been sentenced to 20 months in prison.