Man jailed for knifepoint crime spree

A man who carried out two knifepoint robberies within minutes has been jailed for 10 years

Dean Porter, aged 38, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to theft, threatening with a bladed article and robbery and was sentenced to serve six years in jail and four on licence at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, 22 March.

The court heard how on Saturday, 27 June last year, Porter approached three youths at Formby station, producing a knife and taking the phone of one of the youths and demanding he withdraw £500 from a cash machine and hand it over if he wanted the phone back.

He led the three youths out of station at knifepoint but after a scuffle they managed to escape only to see Porter approach a car that had slowed down on seeing the altercation.

Porter approached the driver of the car, claiming he had been mugged and asked to be let in the car.
When the driver refused, Porter began to cry until he relented. On entering the car Porter immediately produced the knife and held it to the driver’s neck telling him it was his turn now and ordering him to leave the keys in the car and get out, which, fearing for his safety he did.

Porter drove off in the car before crashing it into another vehicle.

Another driver who had witnessed what had happened managed to detain him until police arrived despite Porter repeatedly threatening to stab him in the face.

In custody Porter admitted being drunk and not having a driving licence. While awaiting interview he smeared himself, his cell and the intercom with his own faeces.

Investigating officer DC Scott McCabe said: “This was a terrifying experience for all of Porter’s victims. Thankfully a member of the public, who risked his own safety, detained him until Police arrived and arrested him.
“Porter’s crime spree has earned him a prison stay and hopefully, time to reflect on his actions. The damage caused that night and the impact on the victims cannot be understated. The fear he instilled in them will stay with them for a long time.”