Owen Parkes and Ryan Hitchman
Photo by GMP

Two Men Rob Robbed Intoxicated Man at Knifepoint After Befriending Him

In a harrowing incident in Bury, two individuals, Rian Hitchman, 20, and Owen Parkes, 22, brutally robbed an intoxicated man at knifepoint after ostensibly befriending him outside a nightclub. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that the attack occurred on Saturday, September 21, last year, leaving the victim traumatized but alive.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, left a nightclub shortly after 4 a.m. and began walking down Silver Street. He stopped outside a nearby bar where Hitchman and Parkes were present. The two men approached him, and he agreed to share a taxi with them. The taxi driver subsequently dropped all three off near an underpass, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

Once outside the vehicle, Hitchman and Parkes left the car and confronted the man. Parkes threatened him with a knife, pointing it directly at his throat. “They threatened their victim at an underpass in Bury, where a knife was pointed towards the man’s throat,” Greater Manchester Police stated.

For approximately two minutes, the victim was coerced into handing over his personal belongings. Parkes and Hitchman then emerged from the underpass, leaving the man in a state of fear and confusion. Despite the severity of the threat, the victim managed to flag down a passing ambulance, where he recounted his terrifying ordeal to paramedics and received necessary medical treatment.

Less than two weeks later, on Friday, October 4, police received reports of another similar incident involving two males in Bury town center. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, officers identified Hitchman and Parkes as the same suspects involved in the September 21 robbery. Greater Manchester Police swiftly arrested both individuals and charged them with robbery.

During their sentencing hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, January 24, both Hitchman and Parkes pleaded guilty to the charges. Hitchman, who has no fixed address, was sentenced to two years in prison. Parkes, residing on Hanson Street in Bury, received a harsher sentence of three years and six months behind bars.

PC Hubbard of GMP’s Neighbourhood Crime Team in Bury commented on the case: “This is an excellent result with two dangerous offenders locked up and away from harming vulnerable victims. The pair targeted a victim who had been out drinking and was therefore vulnerable, subjecting them to a terrifying ordeal by threatening them with a knife.”

PC Hubbard further praised the victim’s bravery, stating: “I must thank the victim for the bravery shown in reporting this to us and helping us with our investigation.” He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. “If you have any concerns about crime come and speak to officers or alternatively report through 101 or via LiveChat on gmp.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency,” he advised.

The case highlights the dangers faced by individuals who are vulnerable due to intoxication and underscores the importance of community awareness and prompt reporting to ensure the safety of all residents.

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