Man who robbed boy in park with accomplice jailed
A CHICHESTER man who robbed a boy of his gold ring – and then forced his friend to assault him in front of them – has been jailed for seven years.
Mark Brazil, 23, of Lloyd Road, Chichester, was in a park with Benjamin TaylorBaker.
Brazil and Taylor-Baker approached the victim, then 16, who was with friends, separated him from the group and then asked to borrow his ring, which belonged to his late grandfather and was valued at about £500.
The teenager refused to hand it over, and Brazil then hit him and tripped him over.
The boy managed to make it back to his friends, but Brazil grabbed him by the throat and threatened to hurt him, saying: ‘Give me your ring or I’ll cut your finger off.’
Due to fear of violence, the boy handed the ring over.
Taylor-Baker, 26, of Francis Close, Haywards Heath, then demanded the victim remove his clothes and shoes.
Both defendants ordered the victim’s friend – aged 17 – to punch him in the face several times, which he also did out of fear of violence. The pair stated that if he refused, they would stab the victim.
The men left the park but were identified and arrested.
It happened in Clair Park in Haywards Heath on October 15, 2020.
Brazil and Taylor-Baker were charged with robbery and common assault. After delays due to coronavirus, a jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts at Lewes Crown Court.
Brazil was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment and given an eight-year restraining order.
Taylor-Baker was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment and also given an eight-year restraining order.