Mugger wounded in attack while in prison on remand

A ROBBER known as "Bandit" who mugged people in Lawrence Weston became a victim when remanded to HMP Bristol, a court heard.

Luis Caires mugged two men and was joined by Matthew Atkins for one of the incidents, Bristol Crown Court was told.

Caires was arrested and remanded in custody in Horfield, where he was not only in "severe pain" having smashed his right arm in a motorbike accident but had his face slashed from left eye to jaw with a blade.

Caires, 21, of Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, admitted two robberies.

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Atkins, 23, of Portbury Grove, Shirehampton, pleaded guilty to robbery as well as taking a vehicle without consent and driving without insurance or the proper licence.

Judge Martin Picton jailed Caires for two years and Atkins for 27 months, as well as banning him from driving for six months.

Simon Goodman, prosecuting, said at around midnight on November 4, Christopher James was walking in Long Cross when Caires cycled up to him and asked for a cigarette.

Mr Goodman said: "When Mr James pulled his cigarettes out he recognised the man as Bandit and he began to be concerned.

"Caires said 'What else you got?' and 'Do you smoke weed?'

"Mr James said he didn't, and that he had two children, and Caires replied 'Don't lie'."

The court heard Caires grabbed Mr James' coat and, when Mr James tried to walk off, grabbed his throat and demanded 'Give me your fags'.

When Mr James handed over his cigarettes, the mugger asked what else he had and Mr James gave up his mobile phone and money.

Mr Goodman said a car pulled up and Caires said he had got a phone and cash before telling Mr James: "Don't phone the police. I know where you live and I'll get you."

Some 15 minutes later Caires and Atkins approached Grant Baker and Atkins mugged him of his phone.

In a tussle that followed Mr Baker fell on his face when pushed to the ground, where he was kicked in the head, Mr Goodman said.

Police arrested both men. Atkins admitted taking a car without permission, Caires made no comment.

Caires was identified by the first victim and his fingerprints were found on the second victim's phone.

Both Caires and Atkins had previous convictions for robbery.

Catherine Spedding, for Caires, said her client was likely to be permanently disabled after his motorbike accident and his physical position was worsening in custody where he had been attacked twice.

He had turned to drugs and alcohol after the death of his grandmother and a relationship split.

Ian Kelcey, for Atkins, said his client had a difficult upbringing and accepted custody was inevitable.