Knifepoint robber jailed after breaking into stranger’s Ipswich flat and trying to march him to cashpoint

Robber Daniel Marcovitch (Image: Archant)

Daniel Marcovitch, of Suffolk Road, Ipswich, was then believed to have held the knife against his victim’s back while he attempted to march him to a cashpoint before being overpowered, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Marcovitch, who had 18 previous convictions for 62 offences, including kidnapping, assaults and thefts, had admitted robbery at an earlier hearing.

At the 37-year-old’s sentencing the impact statement of Marcovitch’s 24-year-old victim Robert Handley was read out.

Mr Handley said since the incident he has found himself constantly checking who was outside his home before leaving or who was approaching his flat.

The court was told he also felt insecure in his home and has had trouble sleeping since the robbery.

Mr Handley added that even when he was away from home he found himself worried someone might be breaking in or was laying in wait for his return.

Sentencing Marcovitch to six years and two months’ imprisonment, Judge Rupert Overbury told him: “This was a violent personal robbery in the home. You forced your way in to get to Mr Handley who was having a bath at the time.

“It was a very threatening intrusion. It went on for some time.”

Marcovitch, a heroin abuser who suffers from seizures and mental health issues, had failed to take his medication on the day of the robbery.

Judge Overbury said: “You know because of the problems that you had with prescription medication that no doubt you might behave in an unpredictable way.”

Previously, prosecutor Andrew Jackson told the court the robbery took place in St George’s Street, Ipswich, around lunchtime on March 18.

Mr Handley was in the bath when he noticed the bathroom door appear to move. When he went to investigate he was confronted by Marcovitch who, after entering the building through a communal door, broke the lock on the door of Mr Handley’s flat.

Marcovitch told his victim he had a knife in his bag, but no weapon was seen.

He walked into the sitting room and picked up a kitchen knife and demanded money and any items of value.

After around 15 minutes had elapsed Marcovitch tapped Mr Handley in the chest with the knife and said: “I don’t want to have to do this. You must have some money.”

Mr Handley handed over £5, his iPhone and charger.

Marcovitch then tried to march his victim to a cashpoint while walking behind him.

However, as they exited the flat Mr Handley saw his two neighbours and mouthed to them what was happening.

Once outside the male neighbour and Mr Handley managed to overpower Marcovitch and call the police.