Couple found guilty of robbing man in his Ipswich flat
Ipswich Crown Court - Credit: Archant
An Ipswich couple who robbed a man in his flat are facing lengthy prison terms.
Daniel Forbes, 28, and Chantelle Rudge, 29, had both denied robbing Richard Mullett at his home in Jasmine Close, Ipswich, in October last year but were found guilty after a week-long trial at Ipswich Crown Court.
They had also denied an alternative charge of aggravated burglary and were cleared of that charge after the prosecution offered no evidence.
Forbes also denied having a knife and was cleared after the prosecution offered no evidence on that charge as well. Sentence was adjourned until January 6 for a probation report to be prepared on Forbes to consider the issue of dangerousness.
Both defendants were remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing.
During their trial the court heard that Mr Mullet had a knife held against his eye and suffered a deep cut to his hand during the robbery.
His hour-long ordeal began when he answered a knock at his door and let in Rudge, who he regarded as a friend.
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Rudge, of Newnham Court, Ipswich, said she needed to speak to him and she was followed into the flat by Daniel Forbes, who Mr Mullett didn’t know, said Catherine Bradshaw, prosecuting.
Rudge asked Mr Mullett if he wanted to buy some drugs and when he declined Forbes, of Maryon Road, Ipswich, had produced a knife and held it at his neck and face.
Forbes then grabbed Mr Mullett in a headlock and pinned him down on a sofa while holding the knife against his eye, said Miss Bradshaw.
While this was going on Mr Mullett saw Rudge moving found the flat collecting items belonging to him.
During the robbery Mr Mullett suffered a deep cut to his hand while struggling with Forbes, said Miss Bradshaw.
Giving evidence Mr Mullett denied he had owed Rudge £40 and that he had become aggressive and pinned her against a wall and thrown her on to a sofa when she came to his flat asking him for the money.
Mr Mullett accepted he may have taken drugs on the evening in question but said he was aware of what was going on.
