Ipswich: Teenager locked up for robberies

A TEENAGER who carried out a string of robberies in Ipswich in order to get money for drink and drugs has been locked up for 40 months.

On one occasion Jake Baker approached a man as he was walking home late at night and threatened to stab him if he did not cooperate and six days later he approached a group of young people in a park and robbed them after showing them a knife, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Baker, 18, of no fixed address, admitted robbery on September 18 and three offences of robbery and two of attempted robbery on September 24.

Sentencing him to 40 months detention in a young offenders’ institution less 100 days he has spent in custody Judge John Devaux said: “Drink and drugs have got you in this mess.”

Robert Sadd, prosecuting, said in the early hours of September 18 Baker had approached the victim as he was walking home and asked for change for a �20 note.

Baker had then put the man in a headlock, pulled him to the ground and punched him in the face before telling him he would stab him if he did not co-operate.

Baker had made off with his mobile telephone and wallet.

Six days later on September 24 Baker approached a group of five friends who had gone to Alexandra Park in Ipswich to play football.

Baker said he was looking for a man who was selling drugs and had then produced a knife and after threatening the group with it demanded their wallets and mobile phones, said Mr Sadd.

The group did as they were told and Baker made off on his bicycle with property belonging to three of them including three mobile phones and a wallet. None of the items were recovered.

Catherine Bradshaw, for Baker, said her client had got into a downward spiral due to use of drink and drugs.

She said he accepted that the victims of the robberies must have been terrified.