Predatory thief, 28, told victims 'I have a knife and I'm not afraid to use it' before marching them to cash point

A 'predatory' and 'brazen' robber threatened terrified victims with a knife to force them to withdraw money from cash machines.

Anthony Robert Haslam pleaded guilty to three separate robberies, over a seven week period in Bolton town centre.

The 28-year-old was jailed for four years and eight months at Bolton Crown Court today.

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Haslam's first offence took place on November 23 2021, prosecution barrister Brian Berlyne told the court.

He approached a 17-year-old college student on Great Moor Street and said: "If one more person walks past me without giving me money, I'll knock them out."

The boy took £10 out of his wallet to give to Haslam but he then ordered his victim to head to a cash machine to withdraw more.

After telling Haslam he didn't know his PIN, the boy was taken to a nearby shop.

Haslam bought £2 worth of items, and told the boy to pay.

He then asked for £10 cashback but the store refused and Haslam left.

Around a month later, on December 21, Haslam approached a woman on Newport Street and asked her for change.

He told her that he "had a knife" and was "not afraid to use it".

Haslam again marched the woman to a cash machine and as they walked, she asked if he would hurt her.

He responded: "No, as long as you give me the money," and when they got to the cash machine, he said he wanted £20.

The scared victim withdrew the money and gave it to Haslam, who then left.

Haslam's final offence took place on January 8, close to Bolton Town Hall, when he approached a 16-year-old boy and asked him for £10.

The boy initially refused but Haslam then pulled his hand out of his pocket to show the victim a