A knifepoint robber who is suffering from mental illness has been given an indefinite hospital order to protect the public.
Connor Mulvey, 26, from Berry Brow, dropped his ill-gotten gains when a couple who had witnessed his attack on a woman in the street bravely challenged him, a court heard.
Felicity Hemlin prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court today the victim of the robbery, Charlotte Johnson had seen Connor Mulvey coming towards her as she walked in Woodhead Road, Huddersfield, on November 8 last year.
She paid no attention until he stopped in front of her and suddenly produced what appeared to be a flick knife with a three inch blade and threatened her.
She was so scared she handed over what he wanted, taking her bag off her shoulder and passing it to him as the knife was pointed towards her stomach.
He grabbed the bag and in doing so that pulled her headphones causing her phone to fall out of her pocket and he picked that up as well before making off.
The robbery had been witnessed by Darren and Theresa Tyrell who were passing in a car. He pulled his car ahead of Mulvey, parked and got out challenging him saying: “That’s not your bag.”
Miss Hemlin said Mulvey then bolted, passing Mrs Tyrell who was getting out of the car. She grabbed his top as he went by and he dropped the bag and phone.
They returned the property to Miss Johnson, who was shaking and upset and the police were alerted. Within a short time officers drove in the direction Mulvey had taken and spotted him.
When he saw the patrol car he ran off into the nearest driveway and when the gardens were searched in the area he was found hiding under some leaves. A black handled folding knife was then recovered from the leaves.
Miss Hemlin said Miss Johnson wanted to express how grateful she was for the couple’s help and support.
The court heard Mulvey had a record of previous offences including burglary, assault and possession of offensive weapons.
A psychiatrist told the court he had been receiving treatment for paranoid schizophrenia in Fieldhead Hospital, Wakefield, since March this year. Although he said his “voices” had reduced by about 50% he still needed further treatment.
Mulvey, 26 of Bishops Court, Berry Brow, admitted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. He was ordered to be detained in hospital under section 37 of the Mental Health Act and under section 41 without time restriction.
Recorder Sophie Drake said he should be detained indefinitely for the safety of the public and ordered £100 reward from public funds be paid to Mr and Mrs Tyrell for their public spirited actions.
