Oxford man jailed for attempted knifepoint robbery
Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for an attempted knifepoint robbery in Oxford
A judge sentenced Brendon Matiza, aged 26, of Leiden Road, Oxford, to four years in prison at Oxford Crown Court last Friday.
A jury found Matiza guilty of two counts of attempted robbery and one count of possession of a bladed article in a public place, following a seven-day trial.
At approximately 1.30am on 4 August last year, Matiza approached two men in their twenties for help as he seemed to have fallen off an e-scooter in Garsington Road.
As the men approached, Matiza stood up and pulled a knife from his waistband, which he pointed towards them while demanding they give him their money.
However, a taxi driver intervened and demanded Matiza leave the victims alone, even moving their taxi to try to obstruct the offender from chasing the men.
Officers were called and arrested Matiza, who was charged three days later.
Investigating officer Detective Constable James Clancy said: “This was a serious attempted knifepoint robbery, which has rightly resulted in a conviction and significant sentence for the offender, Brendon Matiza.
“I want to not only commend the victims for their bravery but also the witness, who intervened and remained on scene until police officers arrived.
“Matiza will now have plenty of time in prison to consider his unacceptable behaviour, which Thames Valley Police will never tolerate.”