Robber jailed after threatening man with axe

A robber who stole a man’s e-bike before threatening him with an axe for the charger has been jailed.

Brian Anthony Blackie Todd approached the victim as he was riding along Geneva Road, in Darlington, on August 30, when he punched him in the face and stole the bike.

Not content with the first offence, the 31-year-old turned up at the victim’s house the next day armed with an axe and threatened to kill him if he did not hand over the bike’s charger.

Officers swiftly arrested Todd, who was identified by the victim, and charged him with robbery and possessing an offensive weapon in public.

The e-bike was recovered from his address and returned to its rightful owner.

Todd, of Darlington, initially denied the offences and was due to stand trial but changed his plea to guilty.

He also pleaded guilty to an arson in the Cleveland area.

At Teesside Crown Court yesterday, Todd was sentenced to a total of eight years and six months in prison.

T/DC Subhaan Ali, of Darlington CID, said: “Todd's behaviour was totally unacceptable and completely unprovoked. He terrorised his victim not once but twice and I hope this sentence gives the gentleman some peace of mind now he is behind bars.”