Posted on Thursday 25 May 2023
Two men have been jailed after robbing a college student at knifepoint in broad daylight.
The victim was stood at the entrance to Seaham Town Park, on Stockton Road, at around shortly after 6pm on April 21, when he was approached by Reece Wilkin and Kieran Marley.
The men, both 19, who are believed to know the victim, sat on a nearby bench for several minutes before approaching him, and threatening him with a knife.
The terrified victim, who was shaken but unhurt in the incident, dropped his bag and ran off into the park, with Wilkin and Marley giving chase briefly.
The victim’s bank card, which was in his bag along with other personal items and valuables, was used in two convenience stores a short time later.
At Durham Crown Court yesterday, Wilkin, of Seaham, pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a knife and fraud. He was sentenced to two years eight months in a young offenders’ institution.
Marley, also of Seaham, pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to two years and four months in a young offenders’ institution.
Detective Constable Dave Simms, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a shocking incident, and terrifying for the victim who was thankfully unharmed.
“This type of crime can have long lasting effects so we hope now these two are behind bars where they belong, it will give the victim some comfort and allow him to move on with his life.”