Man jailed for robbing victim from dating app at knifepoint in Hackney

Ashley Jackson was sentenced on Tuesday (credit: Met Police)

A man has been jailed after robbing a victim at knife point in Hackney who he’d arranged to meet on a dating site.

Ashley Jackson, of Barbauld Road, threatened a man his 40s with a knife and stole £180 from him on Friday, 11 November last year.

Using the app, the pair arranged to meet at an address in the E1 area and spent some time together.

The 19-year-old later pulled out the knife from his sleeve and demanded the money.

Once taking the cash, Jackson called a taxi and left.

Following an investigation by detectives from the Met’s Central East Command Unit, Jackson was arrested on Tuesday, 15 November.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 10 January, Jackson was sentenced to 40 months in prison for robbery and six months for possessing a knife.

The sentences are to be served concurrently.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alex O’Sullivan said: “The effects of becoming a victim of robbery, particularly where there is threat of violence, run far deeper than a loss of cash or property – they can be traumatic and long-lasting.

“Jackson has now been removed from the community, where he can no longer victimise the public.

“I sincerely hope this brings the victim the sense that justice has been served.”

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