The 'prolific offender' who brought misery to Longsight in spate of 'violent and terrifying' robberies

A 'prolific offender' brought misery to the streets of Longsight and 'preyed on lone women' in a spate of 'violent and terrifying robberies'.

Matthew Carney, 27, of Mull Avenue, Longsight, would sometimes use 'excessive violence' to steal his victim's handbags and mobile phones, Greater Manchester Police said.

A court heard the thug committed the robberies between December 2020 and January 2021 around the Longsight area - before using the victim's bank cards in local shops to buy booze and cigarettes.

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Following a spree of robbery offences, police said Carney then fled to the Lincolnshire area, but was later arrested following a joint investigation with Lincolnshire Constabulary.

He was also identified from CCTV footage following a burglary offence on Milverton Road, Longsight in September 2021 which he was also charged with.

He was found guilty of three counts of robbery, two counts of fraud by false representation and one count of burglary and sentenced to 15 years at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday (October 10).

PC Ridgway of Greater Manchester Police’s Neighbourhood Crime team, said: “Carney is a prolific offender and I am relieved that he is now off our streets and no longer a danger to the public.

"These were violent and terrifying robberies for the victims and will no doubt have had a lasting impact on their lives. I am glad we have been able to secure a conviction for Carney today and I hope this will provide those victims with a sense of justice.

"We are committed to ensuring the streets of Greater Manchester are kept safe and no one