Doncaster Robber Jailed After Violent Attacks

A violent Doncaster robber has been jailed for over four years in a young offender institution after threatening a shopkeeper and a woman in her home. Blake Lester, 19, was sentenced following an investigation into two robberies committed in August last year.

Details of the Offences

His first offence involved breaking into an elderly woman's home in Armthorpe during the early hours of the morning. Lester threatened her with a weapon before demanding her valuables. He left with her phone, purse, laptop, and handbag.

The stolen items were recovered the same day from another address in Armthorpe. A black coat, matching what Lester wore in CCTV footage from the time, was also found.

A day after this crime, Lester robbed an Armthorpe shopkeeper of tobacco. Lester entered the store and demanded money from the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper had previously given him cash out of kindness. The shopkeeper offered Lester a free drink, but Lester confronted and assaulted him before leaving with stolen tobacco.

Investigation and Sentencing

Crime scene investigators attended the robbery scene and collected CCTV evidence of Lester's offending. They also took fingerprints from a Red Bull can and a pack of sweets. Forensic analysis confirmed these were a DNA match to Lester.

Officers raided an address after Lester tried to evade capture. They found Lester hiding underneath a pile of clothes.

Lester, 19, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery. He was jailed for a total of four years and two months. Sentencing occurred at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday (15 April).

Police Statement

Detective Constable Rachael Gilsenan, the officer in charge of this case, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for both victims who were left understandably shaken by Lester's offending.

"To be confronted in your own home or while simply trying to do your job is frightening, invasive and something that no one should ever have to experience.

"The impact of robberies cannot be overstated and I want to commend both victims for showing courage in reporting the incidents to us promptly which helped us to piece together what had happened.

"Our detectives and CSI teams moved at pace to gather evidence, identify the offender and build a strong case which has now led to a custodial sentence.

"It's thanks to them and the victims that we've been able to secure this result that prevents further offending, bring safety to the Armthorpe community and I hope brings a measure of closure to the two victims in this case."

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This article is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: Violent Doncaster robber locked up after attacking shopkeeper and threatening woman in her home Source Link 

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