Man jailed for six years after knifepoint robbery of a woman in Westminster

A man who robbed a woman with a 10-inch knife as she walked home alone has been jailed for six years.

Mark David Larkin, 50, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to six years for the robbery, plus 18 months for possession of the knife, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The victim was walking from Queensway to St Petersburgh Place after going out to do some food shopping in Westminster in March.

As she made her way along Moscow Road, she became aware she was being followed. Feeling uneasy she stopped to let the man go past.

Larkin then pulled a ten inch knife from his waist band and made a stabbing motion and said: “Give me your wallet.’’

The terrified woman got hold of her purse, containing cash, credit cards and a driving licence and threw it threw it on the floor, before the suspect picked it up and ran off.

He was quickly tracked down to a nearby McDonalds in Shepherd’s Bush, despite trying to disguise himself with a hood, face covering and hat.

He was later identified as Mark David Larkin, also known as Curran, and was arrested by local officers.

Detectives were able to capture CCTV of Larkin following the woman and also traced images of him with the stolen property

Detective Constable Samuel Turner said: “This is an incredibly positive result which shows the hard work detectives go through to bring offenders to justice.

“CCTV proved key in this case, as was the tireless cooperation of the victim who assisted at every opportunity. Despite the fear this man put her in, she was able to pull through and give evidence that led to his conviction.”

Pictured: Larkin, left, corner of Moscow Road and St Petersburg Place, right