A man who carried out a robbery armed with a knife has been jailed.
Thomas Dempsey, 36, of Lord Street, Barrow was sentenced at Preston Crown Court after admitting charges of robbery and three counts of possession of a knife in a public place.
The court heard how, on 23 September, Dempsey attended the home address of a man in Anson Street in Barrow. He knocked on the door and, when it was answered, he put a large knife through the door, causing injury to the man opening it.
Once inside, Dempsey made threats whilst holding two knives. He demanded money from the man whilst holding a knife at the man’s stomach.
Once money was handed over, Dempsey dropped one of the knives and fled.
The victim received a cut to his cheek, a cut to his finger and a stab wound to his thigh.
Dempsey was sentenced yesterday (20 May) at Preston Crown Court to a nine year custodial sentence, comprising six years in prison with an additional three-year extension period.
Detective Constable Emma Mullan said: “Dempsey’s actions were incredibly reckless and dangerous and could easily have resulted in far more severe injuries being inflicted.
“There is no excuse for arming yourself with a knife and I hope today’s sentencing shows how seriously the police and the courts take such incidents.”
The sentencing comes during Sceptre – a national week-long knife campaign.
More on Sceptre: SCEPTRE: Opportunity to safely dispose of potentially dangerous knives - Cumbria Constabulary
Sceptre includes a knife amnesty where people can safely dispose of knives and other bladed articles.
Anyone wishing to hand a weapon in should put them in a box or strong bag. Never attempt to take an uncovered knife or bladed article out in public. Members of the public are also advised to go directly to a designated station when handing in such items.
The stations where you can hand your knives or bladed articles in are:
North
- Carlisle
- Penrith (Hunter Lane)
South
- Barrow
- Kendal
West
- Whitehaven
- Workington
To check on opening times please visit: Find a police station | Cumbria Police
If you are worried about the someone who is in possession of a knife or need advice, please contact police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
You can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit. You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency and when a crime is in progress.