Two men, Rian Hitchman (20) and Owen Parkes (22), targeted a vulnerable victim after befriending him outside a nightclub. The incident occurred in Bury shortly after 4am on Saturday, September 21, last year, when the victim left the club and walked down Silver Street.

As the victim stopped outside a bar, Parkes and Hitchman, who had been inside, approached him. He agreed to share a taxi with them, and they were dropped off near an underpass.

Once they had exited the taxi, Parkes demanded the victim's personal belongings while Hitchman brandished a knife and threatened him. Approximately two minutes later, the two men emerged from the underpass, leaving the victim behind.

The victim managed to flag down a passing ambulance and informed the paramedics about the robbery, receiving the necessary medical attention. Less than two weeks later, on Friday, October 4, police were notified of another incident involving two men in Bury town centre.

Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, Greater Manchester Police identified Parkes and Hitchman as the same suspects involved in the robbery on September 21. Following this, both men were arrested and charged with robbery.

They pled guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court during a sentencing hearing on Friday, January 24. Hitchman, who has no fixed address, received a two-year prison sentence, while Parkes, from Hanson Street, Bury, was sentenced to three years and six months.

PC Hubbard from GMP's Neighbourhood Crime Team in Bury commented, "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."

He continued, "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 report through 101 or via LiveChat on gmp.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency."