Yahoo News First picture of mugger who threatened boy, 14, with knife if he didn't give up birthday present
A man has been sentenced after stealing a 14-year-old boy's bike and threatening him with a knife. Christopher Omogbehin, 24, of Newham stole the birthday present from the teenager at a shop in East London.
The 14-year-old went to the store on Green Street with his friend on a bike he got for his birthday, that same day, August 6, 2023. Omogbehin approached the victim demanding the bike while saying: "I got a knife bro. I'll stab you up." Over fear of getting hurt, the boy handed him the bike.
His friend tried to intervene but Omogbehin pulled up his top and showed the pair what appeared to be a knife in a sheath tucked in his trousers. A Met Police investigation was launched after the boys gave evidence.
After searching CCTV, Omogbehin was identified by local police officers who had previously interacted with him. He was arrested on October 21, 2023. When interviewed he gave no comment, apart from denying it was him on the CCTV footage. He was charged later that night and remained in custody until his trial.
The bike was eventually recovered by the victim's friend who found it a week later. The officer in charge of the case Detective Constable Charlotte Plucknett said: "We are pleased the jury convicted the defendant on all counts and that justice has been done.
"This was a traumatic experience for two young boys and I would like to thank them both, and their families, for their efforts throughout the investigation and trial. We would not have secured the result without their support."
Omogbehin was found guilty of robbery, possession of a knife and threatening another person with a knife at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, April 19. He was given a suspended sentence of 18 months.
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