Drug addict is jailed for robbery

A 22-year-old drug addict who robbed a man while pretending he had a knife - and then failed to turn up for his trial - has been caught and jailed.

Russell Fowler was tried in his absence in October and found guilty of robbery. He was caught three weeks later.

Fowler, of Richmond Road, Leighton Buzzard, was jailed at Luton Crown Court for two years for robbery and three months for jumping bail.

Judge Michael Kay said the "vulnerable" victim was afraid to give evidence.

Fowler was collecting his prescription for a heroin substitute from a chemist on Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, on 5 May 2006 when he saw the victim.

No remorse

The man was collecting medicine for his mother and Fowler struck up a conversation with him, which he continued outside.

But in Billington Road he pulled him into an alleyway and threatened him before robbing him, the court heard.

The judge said: "He was a vulnerable adult and I am satisfied you targeted him.

"You threatened him by indicating you had a knife and said he should hand over his wallet. You emptied it of about £30 and handed it back.

"You told police you were working that day but checks showed you were not. You have not shown any remorse at all."