A man has been jailed and a woman given a suspended prison sentence following a violent knife-point robbery that left the victim too frightened to remain living in Swindon.
Matthew Brown, 38, of Ermin Street, was sentenced to three years in prison at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday after admitting robbery, affray and possession of an offensive weapon.
Brown was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.
His co-defendant, Laura Taylor, 36, of Affleck Close, Toothill, received a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to affray.
Taylor was also ordered to undergo 12 months of mental health treatment, complete a 26-day accredited programme, receive treatment for drug dependency and pay a victim surcharge of £187.
Both defendants were made subject to restraining orders.
The court heard that on 1 May 2024, Taylor persuaded a man in his 40s to leave an address in Stratton St Margaret, where Brown confronted him armed with a large knife.
Brown held the blade to the victim’s throat while demanding money before forcing him into the communal area of a nearby block of flats, where the robbery continued.
Fearing for his life, the victim handed over cash before Brown and Taylor fled the scene.
Detective Constable James Pugh said the incident had left a lasting impact on the victim.
“Matthew Brown and Laura Taylor had previously denied all offences against the victim, who was subjected to a serious knife-point robbery. Laura lured the victim from his home address, where he was then confronted by Matthew, who was armed with a large knife. Matthew made violent demands while brandishing the knife and stole money from the victim.
“As a result, the victim was forced to relocate away from Swindon due to fears for his safety and remains affected by the significant mental trauma caused.
“The three-year prison sentence handed to Matthew provides some reassurance to both the victim and the wider public that this dangerous individual will remain off the streets.
“I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and provided vital evidence that helped secure these convictions. Despite the serious and violent nature of the offence, they demonstrated considerable courage through their willingness to attend court and give evidence against those responsible.
“Faced with the strength of the prosecution case, supported by witness testimony, Matthew and Laura had little option but to plead guilty on the first day of the trial.
“I would also like to reassure residents that Wiltshire Police take all reports of crime seriously and will do everything possible to bring offenders to justice and protect our communities from violent criminals.”
The sentences bring to a close a case that police described as a serious and violent robbery, with officers praising the witnesses whose evidence helped secure the convictions.
