London: Man Jailed For Knifepoint Robbery of 15-Year-Old Schoolboy

A man has been jailed after he robbed a 15-year-old schoolboy at knifepoint.

Ade Damola Afariogun targeted children in Rainham while they made their way to school.

The 25-year-old has been sentenced to four years behind bars after he was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court of one count of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery.

The court heard how Afariogun's first victim was just 15 at the time and was followed, threatened with a knife and robbed of his mobile phone and cash in November 2013, in Upminster Road South.

Afariogun then targeted two 11-year-old schoolboys, threatening them with violence before they managed to raise the alarm by alerting passing members of the public. No knife was seen in these incidents.

All the schoolchildren targeted were left shocked and frightened by their ordeal.

Detective constable Cheryl Howes of Havering Police said: "This sentencing reflects the true nature of Afariogun's offending. He targeted children en route to school, using bullying tactics with these vulnerable victims.

"Havering Police responded swiftly, informing the local school of the linked series of robberies in the area. The police proactively sought, identified and arrested Afariogun. I want to extend thanks to the victims who showed such bravery, recording the crime, making statements and taking part in identity parades, which resulted in all victims positively identifying Afariogun as the perpetrator."