Two men have been jailed for their roles in a knifepoint robbery in Bury

Thursday, 30 January 2025 20:13

By David Murphy

- Rian Hitchman (25/08/2004) of no fixed abode was sentenced to two years and Owen Parkes (28/06/2002) of Hanson Street, Bury was jailed for three years and six months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 24 January 2025 after pleading guilty to robbery at a previous hearing.

- The two were involved in a violent knifepoint robbery in Bury town centre at around 5am on Saturday 21 September 2024.

- One of the men made demands for the victim to hand over personal items, while the other produced a knife and pointed it towards the victim’s throat.

The victim was befriended by Parkes and Hitchman and was targeted due to his intoxication, which made him particularly vulnerable. The victim left the club he was in just after 4am and walked down Silver Street, stopping outside a bar which Parkes and Hitchman were in.

Both men left the bar and walked straight to the victim. The victim agreed to get in a taxi with Hitchman and Parkes, dropping them off near an underpass, where the victim was then robbed.

One of the men made demands for the victim to hand over personal items, while the other produced a knife and pointed it towards the victim’s throat.

Around two minutes later Parkes and Hitchman emerged from the underpass, but the victim was nowhere to be seen. He managed to flag down a passing ambulance and told them of his ordeal and he received treatment.

On Friday 4 October 2024, police were informed of another incident involving two males in Bury town centre. Upon reviewing the CCTV, officers believed them to be the same men involved in the robbery on Saturday 21 September.

PC Hubbard, of our Neighbourhood Crime Team in Bury, said: “This is an excellent result with two dangerous offenders locked up and away from harming vulnerable victims.

“The pair targeted a victim who had been out drinking and was therefore vulnerable, subjecting them to a terrifying ordeal by threatening them with a knife.

“I must thank the victim for the bravery shown in reporting this to us and helping us with our investigation. If you have any concerns about crime come and speak to officers or alternatively report through 101 or via LiveChat on gmp.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency."