Robber gives victim mobile phone

A man who robbed vulnerable rail passengers of their mobile phones has been handed a six-month prison sentence after his "own stupidity" led police to his door.

Luton Crown Court heard how Eneas Tanyongana robbed a 16-year-old of his mobile on a train between Rye House and Ware stations on March 16, threatening to stab him if he didn't hand it over.

Speaking outside court, Det Con Jon Pine, of British Transport Police's robbery squad, said: "The boy was obviously very scared and handed over the phone without argument.



"When the boy asked what he was supposed to do without a phone, Tanyongana decided to hand over his own phone, complete with contact details and photos."

Police used the information to trace 21-year-old Tanyongana, of Risdens, Harlow, and linked two other robberies to him using CCTV evidence.

DC Pine added: "It's a nice boost to the investigation when key pieces of the puzzle have already been laid out for you. It was a combination of Tanyongana's own stupidity and good police work that led to him being arrested just hours after the offence."