Repeat offender who carried out two knifepoint robberies in Llandudno jailed for five years

A repeat offender who carried out two knifepoint robberies in Llandudno has been jailed for five years.

Matthew Ward had only been out of prison for a previous robbery for two months when he targeted two businesses in the town centre on February 17 this year whilst armed with a weapon.

The 25-year-old fled the scene as a large number of police were called to the incidents.

However officers were able to track him down using CCTV footage and recovered clothing worn during the offences, as well as the knife he used and stolen cash.

Ward was sentenced today after pleading guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and carrying a bladed article in a public place.

Investigating officer DC Jordan Livingstone said: “Matthew Ward embarked on a spree of violence during daylight hours in a town centre, prompting a considerable police response, only two months after he had been released from prison for a previous conviction for robbery.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of Ward’s family for their assistance in us being able to locate him so quickly.

“Incidents like this are relatively rare in north Wales and I would like to reassure the community that we will continue to prioritise public safety in all of our neighbourhoods.

“I welcome today’s sentence, which underlines the message that those who endanger the safety of others will be held accountable, and I hope this in some way mitigates the impact Ward’s actions had upon his victims.”