Six years for serial street robber in student area

Alan Pye tried to rob two female students at knifepoint in Cardigan Lane, Headingley, on August 27 after threatening them as they got home. He demanded their handbags but left empty handed after they attracted help.

Later the same day another woman was attacked from behind as she walked in St Michael’s Lane. He grabbed her handbag and ran off as she was knocked to the floor but she flagged down passing police officers and he was arrested.

Earlier in August, Pye had also attacked a 27 year-old-man as he was walking in Otley Road. He was punched to the ground and Pye stamped on his face six times before stealing his rucksack.

Pye, 23, of Holdforth Court, Leeds, admitted that robbery and three offences of attempted robbery. He asked for 103 other offences including 21 robberies to be taken into consideration.

Jailing him, the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC said Pye had already served a previous sentence for robbery and was clearly at high risk of re-offending. In addition to the six years jail sentence, he imposed an extended three years on licence.

After the case a police spokesman said bringing Pye to justice had made the streets safer in the Hyde Park and Headingley areas.