Man jailed for attempted robbery in Pencester Gardens skatepark, Dover
12:43, 06 August 2020
updated: 13:41, 06 August 2020
A man who put a knife up to a stranger's neck during an attempted robbery has been locked up for four years.
Isaac Chapman, 25, used a craft knife during the unprovoked attack in Dover's Pencester Gardens skatepark.
Chapman approached a skateboarder and held the blade to his throat, demanding money in October last year.
The victim was able to push Chapman’s arm away but he sustained a minor injury to his neck during the attack.
Chapman, of no fixed address, left the scene empty-handed.
A police spokeswoman said: "About a week later, the victim saw his attacker again in Dover, and made police aware, which led to them identifying Chapman as the offender and he was arrested.
"On the day of the attempted robbery, Chapman had been talking to other people at the skatepark, before growing aggressive and turning his attentions to the man who had been there with friends."
He was charged a month later with attempted robbery and possession of a craft knife in a public place.
Admitting the offences, he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court yesterday where he was jailed for four years.
Investigating officer, DC Kerry Akast said: "The victim was not known to Chapman and unfortunately, seems to have been targeted that day purely for falling into Chapman’s eyeline. It just shows what a despicable and nasty nature Chapman has.
"Carrying a knife suggests he was prepared for violence and to actually consider holding it against someone’s throat is very concerning.
"I hope the victim is able to put this incident behind him and I thank him for his support in this case."
