Joshua Dempsey jailed: ‘He is undoubtedly a dangerous man who thought nothing of using a knife’

Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on robberies after armed robber Joshua Dempsey was jailed for nine years.

Yesterday, Dempsey, 25, of Convamore Road, Grimsby was sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court after being branded a dangerous offender.

He previously pleaded guilty to the following:

Robbery on the December 3, 2015 at the Betfred Bookmakers of Ladysmith Road
Robbery on the December 6, 2015 at the Betfred Bookmakers of Laceby Road in Grimsby respectively
Two counts of being in possession of a knife/blade
Affray
Three counts of criminal damage

Dempsey also admitted the robbery on at Segal’s Jewellers on December 21, and this was taken into account.

Following the sentencing, Humberside Police said it remains “committed” to bringing offenders to justice.

Detective Constable Neil Haigh, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: “I am delighted Dempsey has been sentenced to nine years and am convinced he would have continued to offender if he’d remained at large.

“He is undoubtedly a dangerous man who thought nothing of using a knife to threaten innocent members of the public during two armed robberies in Grimsby. The robberies were terrifying for his victims and their bravery throughout should be commended. I am sure that they will welcome the fact he will is now behind bars.

“Dempsey was arrested on Christmas Day after members of the public called the force in response to a wanted person appeal. Unfortunately, he took to the roof tops to try and evade arrest causing disruption to family’s festive plans, as well as causing significant damage to property and vehicles area. I am sure they will all be pleased he has received such a significant sentence.

“I hope the case serves as a warning to other offenders that robbery will not be tolerated and any offences will be robustly investigated to ensure offenders are brought to justice and the public are kept safe.”

Dempsey was jailed for nine years for Christmas Eve disruption, pictured above, betting shop robberies and jewellers’ robbery

Detective Chief Inspector Nicki Miller, Humberside Police force lead for Robbery, added: “Across Humberside we are committed to bringing robbers to justice, while also working with the public and business to try and prevent offending in the first place. We have robust investigation plans in place to ensure we respond quickly and effectively to capture all evidence and ensure any potentially prolific offenders are taken off the streets quickly.

“This was the case in the Dempsey case with all the pillars of the police force coming together to secure a conviction with detectives, community teams, response officers and Crime Scene Investigators all playing their part.

“I hope that Dempsey’s case sends out a strong message to other likeminded offenders that we can and will do everything possible to bringing you to justice if you offender in the Humberside Police area.”

Grimsby Telegraph