Gambling addict's violent robberies
A GAMBLING addict who carried out two terrifying robberies on a shop assistant and a taxi driver in Birmingham has been given an indeterminate prison sentence.
In passing a sentence of imprisonment for public protection on Zico Davis, Judge Robert Orme said he represented a “significant risk” to members of the public of serious harm.
Birmingham Crown Court heard that Davis had previously been given another indeterminate sentence for his part in a robbery on a pizza delivery man, although it had been reduced to three-and-a-half years on appeal.
Judge Orme ruled that Davis must serve a minimum of five years’ imprisonment before being considered for parole.
Davis, 21, of Ludlow Court, Stratford Road, Sparkhill, pleaded guilty to two charges of robbery and one of possessing an imitation firearm.
Graham Henson, prosecuting, said his first victim, who was known to the defendant, worked in a family-run shop with her uncle. When the shop closed at 8pm she left by a rear door and got into her car.
“She started the engine and the car door suddenly opened and she saw, as it turned out, this defendant holding an Army-style combat knife in one hand, which he pointed at her.”
Mr Henson said the blade was about eight inches long and that Davis then reached in and snatched the woman’s pendant from around her neck.
He said Davis then made off in the direction of Ladywood and that his victim had recognised him because of the distinctive way he ran.
Three weeks later Davis struck again after he and another man got into a taxi.
After directing the driver to the Winson Green area one of the men then produced a revolver with a long barrel.
Threats were made to shoot the driver, who handed over £100.
He was then told to hand over more money and pistol-whipped with the butt of the gun.
Mr Henson said the victim suffered swelling and cuts and that Davis’s DNA was found on a black hat that was accidentally left behind.
Sanjeev Sharma, defending, said that fortunately nobody had been seriously injured.
