Life sentence for knife robber who targeted women

A man has been given a second life sentence after he committed a string of knifepoint robberies targeting female victims in Leeds.

James Smyth, 58, admitted aggravated burglary, attempted robbery, possessing an offensive weapon, escaping lawful custody and two counts of robbery at Leeds Crown Court on Monday.

Smyth, who was first given a life sentence for wounding with intent and robbery offences in 2003, was given another life term with a minimum of nine years in jail by the court.

It means he will remain on licence until he dies after his release from prison.

West Yorkshire Police said Smyth was arrested on 16 May last year following a number of reported robberies against women in the Hyde Park area of Leeds.

The victims had reported being threatened at knifepoint.

The defendant had been released from prison the previous month on temporary licence but had failed to return as per his conditions, the force added.

After police officers tried to obtain CCTV footage of the suspect, Smyth, of no fixed abode, was spotted and recognised by a PCSO on his way to work.

A knife seized from him was forensically linked to an aggravated burglary in Woodhouse, where a male victim had been stabbed in the face.

Det Con Justin Booth said: "Smyth subjected his victims to terrifying ordeals and it is right that he is back behind bars.

"Thanks to the quick thinking of a PCSO who recognised Smyth's face we were able to quickly arrest and apprehend him, taking a violent offender off the streets."

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