VIOLENT ROBBER JAMES VALENTINE JAILED FOR FOUR YEARS AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK ON SCHOOLGIRL
A violent robber who attacked a 13-year-old schoolgirl after she refused to hand over her mobile phone has been jailed.James Valentine, 21, approached the teenager while she was sat on swings in Queen’s Bower Recreation Ground, Arnold, on January 20, 2022.
After the girl refused to hand over the phone, Valentine became aggressive, grabbing her hair, pulling her to the ground and kicking her in the stomach.
The victim then tried to get back up, but Valentine grabbed her by her tie and pulled her back down to the ground.
He then seized the phone and ran off.
Officers caught up with Valentine in a pub in Sherwood, Nottingham, one week after the offence.
Valentine, of Heathfield Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, admitted robbery at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, November 15, and was sentenced to four years.
Detective Constable Shannon Hutchinson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This must have been a terrifying experience for the teenage victim, who will have believed she was in danger of being seriously hurt throughout the ordeal.
In interviews with officers she described being extremely scared for her safety during the attack.
“So I am pleased Valentine has been brought before the courts and given such a significant prison sentence.” Detective Constable Hutchinson added: “The force will always respond robustly and decisively to every report we receive of robbery as we understand how much of a lasting impact this can have on victims.”
