Man handed life sentence after knifepoint robberies and burglaries across Hyde Park
Police say the 58 year old targeted female victims during robberies in Leeds
A man has been handed a second life sentence after a series of knifepoint robberies and violent burglaries across a part of Leeds.
58 year old James Smyth had been out on licence following his first life stint in jail, which started in 2003, at the time of the offences last year.
He was arrested following a series of robberies involving female victims in the Hyde Park area.
He was also linked to a violent burglary in Woodhouse on May 14 during which a man was stabbed in the face.
Smyth admitted aggravated burglary, two counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, possessing an offensive weapon and escaping lawful custody at Leeds Crown Court.
He was handed life with a minimum term of nine years earlier today.
Detective Constable Justin Booth of West Yorkshire Police said: “Smyth subjected his victims to terrifying ordeals and it is right that he is back behind bars.
“Thanks to the quick thinking of a PCSO who recognised Smyth’s face we were able to quickly arrest and apprehend him, taking a violent offender off the streets.”