Teenager attacked men in knifepoint robbery

A teenager who robbed two men at knifepoint and attacked a police officer with a concrete slab has been sentenced to more than four years in custody.

Noah Hardingham, 19, approached two men who were sitting in a car in High Piece Crescent, Over, at about 9.30pm on 17 June.

Hardingham, of Lowburyholme Road, Over, Cambridge, held a knife to one victim’s neck, telling him to get into the rear seat.

He then instructed the other victim to drive to the end of the road.

Brandishing the knife, Hardingham ordered the two victims out of the car, telling them “it’s not worth losing your lives over a car”.

He also ordered the two men to leave their phones and wallets.

Hardingham drove away in the car, which was later found abandoned on the side of a nearby road.

Hardingham stole several items, including a designer watch, a bag, a pair of shoes and two phones.

The robbery was not reported to police at the time and the next day, two brothers, who were friends of the robbery victims, confronted Hardingham after spotting him in the local area.

Hardingham tried to run away, but the two men caught up and punched him repeatedly in the back of the head.

He retaliated later that day by going to the home of the men and waiting outside armed with two smashed wine glasses.

He also armed himself with a concrete slab and threatened the men.

As police arrived, Hardingham charged towards an officer, hitting him around the head with the slab.

The officer was taken to Hinchingbrooke Hospital with a serious laceration to his face and Hardingham was arrested.

On Friday (22 November), at Peterborough Crown Court, Hardingham was sentenced to four years and four months in a young offenders institution (YOI), after pleading guilty to robbery, wounding with intent and criminal damage.

PC Andy Watters, who investigated, said: “Hardingham showed no remorse for his violent behaviour, all of which will have a lasting impact on his victims.

“He used a piece of concrete to attack a police officer, leaving him needing hospital treatment.

“This will have been extremely frightening for all victims involved and I hope this sentence shows that knife crime and violent, threatening behaviour is not tolerated in Cambridgeshire.”