Man who stole car then robbed three women is jailed

A man who stole a car in Chatteris and went on to rob three women, one at knifepoint, last Christmas has been jailed for 11 years.

Simon Byton (32) stole a red Vauxhall Zafira from a service station in Chatteris on Christmas Day and drove it to Cambridge, where he carried out a series of robberies.

Cambridge Crown Court heard Byton stole bags from women, including one who he threatened to stab before pushing her to the floor, and another who he punched in the face before using her bank cards to attempt to purchase scratch cards.

Officers later saw the stolen vehicle and pursued it. Byton abandoned the car and fled on foot but was arrested at his home on December 29 after being identified on CCTV footage. While being investigated, Byton also admitted to robbing a post office in Stow Cum Quy, on December 15 last year. He had threatened the store assistant at knifepoint before helping himself to £250 from the till.

Byton, of Bridge Street, Chatteris, pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery, one count of taking a car without consent, one count of having a bladed article, and two counts of fraud.

Byton was jailed for a total of 11 years for the offences.

Detective Constable Karen Lunn said: “Byton caused the victims physical and emotional injuries, and is now being punished for his actions.

“We will do all we can to bring the perpetrators of crimes to justice, and I hope the sentence sends a clear message to anyone who thinks they can get away with this type of offence.”

Simon Byton