Mark Kitson, a 37-year-old resident of Westbourne Mount in Beeston, has been handed a prison sentence of four and a half years after pleading guilty to robbing three women in an incident that occurred in Holbeck during the early hours of Sunday, March 12 this year. The sentencing took place yesterday (Tuesday) at Leeds Crown Court.
During the incident, Kitson and a male accomplice approached the women, who were waiting for a taxi on Bridge Street, while wearing face coverings. They threatened the victims with knives and demanded their belongings. In response to the threats, the women handed over a mobile phone and a handbag before the assailants fled the scene on foot.
Following extensive investigations into the robbery, law enforcement officers managed to recover the stolen phone a short distance away. Furthermore, a bank card belonging to Kitson was discovered in close proximity to the scene. Consequently, Kitson was arrested the day after the incident at his residence, where police also found clothing that matched the attire worn by the suspects.
Detective Constable Toby Rodgers, a member of the Leeds District Crime Team, addressed the media following Kitson’s sentencing. He expressed his hope that the outcome would provide some closure to the victims, stating, “Kitson and his accomplice put their victims through what must have been a terrifying ordeal as they waited for a taxi home, and I hope that this outcome will give them some closure.”
The successful prosecution of Mark Kitson serves as a testament to the dedication and thoroughness of the police investigation. It also sends a strong message that crimes of this nature will not go unpunished in the community.
