Knifeman Twice Targeted "Terrified" Pensioner Couple

A knife-wielding robber, who posed as a gas man to take a pensioner couple's car – even returning to swipe their replacement – has been caged.

Rhys Modeste, 21, of Peabody Hill, Dulwich, terrorised the vulnerable octogenarian couple as well as robbing another woman of her car.

He pleaded guilty to the three robberies, plus a count of handling stolen goods and making off without payment.

At Inner London Crown Court he was sentenced to a total of 16 years imprisonment.

On November 9, last year Modeste knocked at the elderly couple's home in Lambeth purporting to be a gas man.

Once the door opened, he forced his way in with a knife and stole the keys for their Audi vehicle parked out front.

Modeste broke into their home again armed with a knife on December 9 to steal the couple's replacement car only days after they had purchased the new vehicle.

The court also heard Modeste stole a car from a woman at knifepoint in Chestnut Road, West Norwood, on August 28.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Oliver Honeybun-Arnolda from Area South said: “This was a callous and heartless set of robberies whereby Modeste targeted some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“His use of force and a knife left his victims terrified and fearing for their safety.”