Station Robber Caught Red-Handed By Police On Platform

A young train station platform robber – who threatened to stab the victim if he raised the alarm – has been locked-up.

Joseph Richard, 23, struck at Pitsea railway station, Essex, telling his 20 year-old male victim he would be seriously harmed if he did not hand over his silver necklace.

When British Transport Police (BTP) officers appeared by chance on the platform the threats continued, with Richards ordering the victim to pretend and act as if they were friends.

Fortunately, the victim raised the alarm and Richards was arrested on the spot.

At Basildon Crown Court he received forty months custody after pleading guilty to robbery.

At approximately 2.40pm on Monday, September 2, last year the victim was on his way to work when he was approached by Richards, who engaged him in conversation.

Richards shook the victim's hand and refused to let go. 

He then walked the victim towards a bench, where Richards demanded the necklace, threatening to seriously harm him if he refused.

Shortly afterwards BTP officers arrived on the platform and Richards told the victim to act as if they were friends or he would stab him.

When officers approached the victim was able to inform them he had been robbed and Richards was taken into custody.

Investigating officer DC Daryl Keogh said: "The young victim was on his way to work when Richards subjected him to a frightening ordeal that left him seriously fearing for his safety.

"BTP officers were in the vicinity in relation to another matter and were quickly able to take action when the victim bravely informed them what had just happened, despite having been threatened not to do so.

“The railway network is a CCTV rich environment and directly influenced Richards' subsequent guilty plea. 

“As a result he will now spend a substantial amount of time behind bars. 

“I hope this serves as a deterrent to anyone else concerned in such offences that robbery on the railway network will be investigated and offenders brought to justice."

Anyone who is the victim of robbery on the rail network, or a witness, should speak to an officer or member of staff, or you can text us on 61016, or call 0800 405040. In an emergency always call 999.