Thief jailed after threatening to stab girl, 11, for her scooter

A thief who threatened to stab an 11-year-old girl before stealing her electric scooter has been jailed.

Adam McGeady, 32, was caught on CCTV stopping the girl as she rode the e-scooter in Islington, north London.

Footage showed him pulling over his bike, blocking the little girl's path before wrestling the scooter away and riding off, leaving his bike behind.

Police said the youngster was left shocked but otherwise unharmed following the robbery on 24 September 2020.

McGeady, of Stoke Newington, north London, pleaded guilty and was jailed for three years and nine months at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 9 December.

A Metropolitan police spokesperson said: "At around 18:15hrs on 24 September 2020, the victim was riding an electric scooter in Parkfield Street when she was approached by McGeady on a bike.

"He threatened to stab her before taking the scooter and riding off.

“Thankfully the girl wasn't injured, however she was shaken.”

The suspect was caught on camera, and an image of him was shared on a database used by officers across the Met to identify wanted people.

He was later recognised and then arrested in January 2022 and charged with robbery.

Detective Constable Richard Roberts, from the local policing team in Islington, added: "This would have been a terrifying ordeal for a victim of any age, but it was particularly upsetting for a child.

"I would like to praise her for the bravery she has shown throughout our investigation.

"McGeady is clearly a dangerous offender and I am pleased that our investigation has resulted in him receiving a custodial sentence.

"I hope this sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such appalling behaviour on the streets of Islington."