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A person is guilty of robbery if he steals and immediately before or during he uses force or threatens to use force. Robbery can include the use of a weapon to threaten a victim.
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Arrested for Robbery or Armed Robbery?
A person is guilty of robbery if he steals and immediately before or during he uses
force or threatens to use force. Robbery can include the use of a weapon to threaten a
victim.
Robbery generally falls into three categories.
* Street Robbery or Mugging is a low level type of crime, often committed by youths
or people with drug dependencies. Money or other valuables such as a mobile phone
are often demanded.
* Robberies of small businesses. These may involve one or two people, and might
include a petrol station etc.
* Commercial robberies. These robberies vary from a security van robbery type
offence, to well prepared and professional bank robberies committed by intelligent
and experienced organised criminals.
Sentencing for Robbery
Obviously, armed robbery (i.e. with a weapon) tends to attract a more serious penalty
than robbery with no weapon, but in fact judges use 3 levels of seriousness when
deciding how to sentence.
“Level 1” seriousness is for a robbery with minimal force.
“Level 2” seriousness involves the use of a weapon.
“Level 3” Seriousness involves use of a weapon and a lot of force or serious injury.
Certain factors will increase the level of seriousness for the defendant.
These include:
* A vulnerable victim.
* A large number of people involved in the offence.
* Being a leader in the robbery.
* A high value of items taken.
* An offence at night.
* Offenders wearing a disguise.
Other factors that often decrease the level of seriousness and therefore the sentence
include:
* The offence being unplanned/opportunistic.
* The defendant having only minor involvement in the offence.
* Voluntary return of property that was taken.
The Law on Robbery
This offence is governed by the Theft Act 1968.
This offence must be heard at a Crown Court before a judge and jury. The first
hearing is at the Magistrates Court, before the case is sent directly to the Crown
Court.
On conviction, this offence carries a maximum of life imprisonment, and sentences
starting at 4 -5 years are common.