Man Jailed for Knifepoint Robbery in Carlisle

A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison after carrying out a knifepoint robbery in Carlisle.

Reece Holmes, from Longholme Road, received a prison sentence of four years and eight months after admitting robbery, possession of cannabis, and two counts of carrying a bladed weapon in public. He pleaded guilty to the offences during a court hearing on March 9.

The court heard that police were alerted to the incident on February 2 at around 10am after a member of the public called emergency services to report that a woman was being robbed. The attacker, dressed in black and wearing a balaclava, threatened the victim with a knife and stole her handbag before fleeing the scene.

During the robbery the woman suffered injuries to her head and hands. Police officers responding to the incident quickly located Holmes on Cranbourne Road. He was found with a knife, a balaclava, and property belonging to the victim, while blood was also visible on his hands.

Investigators later reviewed CCTV footage which showed Holmes following the victim after she got off a bus. He grabbed the handbag that was strapped across her body. The victim attempted to defend herself with a walking stick but fell when Holmes pulled on the strap. He then cut the bag free with a knife and ran away, leaving the victim on the ground.

Detective Constable Ellie McCorkell from Cumberland CID said the offender carried out a violent attack using a knife to steal the woman’s belongings. She added that crimes of this nature are unacceptable and emphasized that police remain committed to bringing offenders to justice.