Man jailed following brazen station platform robbery - Pitsea

A man has been jailed for 40 months for robbery after officers arrested him moments after the offence, following a British Transport Police investigation.

Joseph Richards, 23 (16.01.02), of no fixed address, was sentenced to 40 months' imprisonment at Basildon Crown Court on 23 May, having pleaded guilty to robbery at an earlier hearing. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

Around 2.40pm on Monday, 2 September 2024 a 20-year-old man, was at Pitsea railway station 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. They then moved to a bench, where Richards demanded his silver necklace, threatening to seriously harm him if he refused.

Shortly afterwards British Transport Police officers came to the platform. 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 that 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 threated 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.