Two sentenced after traumatising knifepoint robbery

A man and woman have been sentenced for a knifepoint robbery that left the victim so traumatised that he moved away from his town.

Matthew Brown held a large knife to the victim's throat after Laura Taylor "lured" him out of his home in Swindon in May 2024, Wiltshire, police said. The victim, a man in his 40s, was forced to hand over cash.

Brown, 38, of Ermin Street, Swindon, was sentenced to three years in prison for robbery, affray and possession of an offensive weapon at Swindon Crown Court after pleading guilty in April.

Taylor, 36, of Affleck Close in Toothill, was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years after pleading guilty to affray.

Det Con James Pugh, of Wiltshire Police, said Laura "lured the victim from his home" in Stratton St Margaret and was then "confronted by Matthew, who was armed with a large knife".

He said Brown "made violent demands while brandishing the knife".

The robbery continued in a communal area of a block of flats nearby before the victim handed over cash and Brown and Taylor fled.

Det Con Pugh added: "As a result, the victim was forced to relocate away from Swindon due to fears for his safety and remains affected by the significant mental trauma caused."

Brown was ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.

Taylor was ordered to have mental health treatment for a year, as well as treatment for drug dependency. She was told to pay a surcharge of £187.

Both were given restraining orders.

Det Con Pugh continued: "I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and provided vital evidence that helped secure these convictions.

"Despite the serious and violent nature of the offence, they demonstrated considerable courage through their willingness to attend court and give evidence against those responsible."

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