Colchester knife robbery trial: 'Robber said give me everything you've got'

Glen Luckhurst, 38, and Samantha Jefford, 36, allegedly produced knives and stole hundreds of pounds in cash from two victims in Colchester, in February last year.

The pair deny any involvement in a robbery.

Opening a trial at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, prosecutor Edward Renvoize said the duo approached Kelly Lucas and Connor Stoneman in Buckingham Drive, Greenstead, at around 3pm.

He said Luckhurst grabbed Miss Lucas by the collar of her coat and put a blade to her throat, applying enough pressure to cause a small cut.

“Meanwhile Samantha Jefford had her knife towards Mr Stoneman so the tip of the knife was in contact with his stomach,” he said.

“He recalls money was taken from both of them.

“He was able to give some detail about what was said to him, he recalls Mr Luckhurst saying ‘give us everything you’ve got’.”

Mr Renvoize said Mr Stoneman handed over more than £200 from his wallet.

The court heard Mr Stoneman gave an account to police, however Miss Lucas could not be traced.

A serving prisoner, Mr Stoneham gave his evidence to the jury from HMP Norwich.

He said he had seen both defendants in passing prior to the incident, but didn’t know Luckhurst by name.

“Glen had the knife up to Kelly’s throat and Sam was just holding it,” he said.

He described the blade allegedly held by Luckhurst as an “ordinary kitchen knife” at about six inches in length.

When asked why he handed over the money, Mr Stoneham said: “Just out of fear of what was going to happen.

“It was possible I could have been stabbed or injured if I didn’t.”

Luckhurst, of Greenstead Road, Colchester, and Jefford, of Affleck Road, Colchester, deny two counts of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

The trial is expected to conclude on Thursday.

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