Man sentenced following brazen robbery attempt - Newcastle

A man has been handed a suspended jail sentence after brazenly attempting to rob someone of their bag in front of Newcastle Central railway station in the middle of the day.

Steven Elliott, 32, and of Ridley Terrace in Gateshead, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday (5 March) to 14 months imprisonment suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £187 in fees.

The court heard how on Sunday 18 February in 2024, Elliott approached a group of people stood outside the station and asked them for drugs.  

When rebuffed, Elliott used sexist language towards one of the women in the group. He then turned towards the victim, who was wearing a man-bag around his neck, and said: “I’ll just rob you then.”

Elliott grabbed the bag and snatched it, causing the straps to break. The victim and Elliott struggled and fought over the bag, before the bag was recovered and the men were separated.

The group walked back into the station and Elliott followed them in, where he confronted the victim again before leaving.

The incident was reported to a member of staff and British Transport Police were called, and Elliott was arrested shortly afterwards.

Investigating officer DC Adil Ahmed said: “Elliott acted dangerously and unpredictably during his brazen robbery attempt, and I hope this sentence offers him cause to reflect on his actions.

“We take all reports of robbery and violence extremely seriously, and we will continue to ruthlessly prosecute those that would target others for their own gain on the railway network.”