6 February 2013

A Norwich robber who was stopped in his tracks by determined officers, who followed his footprints through the snowy city streets, is now behind bars.

Police were called to Pottergate in the early hours on Friday 18 January at about 4.15am after being alerted to a robbery by city council CCTV operators.

A 19-year-old student was heading home after a night out and was unlocking his bike when he was approached by two men.

The victim was punched in the face and fell to the floor where the robbers riffled through his pockets, stealing a wallet, mobile phone and cash.

Officers responding to the robbery had big clues on where to go and followed footprints in the snow. The trail led them towards Anglia Square and one of the suspects was eventually arrested in nearby Willis Street.

Margiris Jogela, 22 and of no fixed abode, was questioned by detectives at Wymondham Police Investigation Centre and later charged with the offence.

Jogela, from Lithuania, pleaded guilty to robbery and was jailed at Norwich Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday 5 February, to two years and eight months.

The city’s senior police officer, Superintendent Paul Sanford, said: “This was a nasty incident involving a lone young student who was making his way home from a night out.

“Officers followed the footprints for about half-an-hour and the snow was deep enough to leave a copy of the tread which we were able to match up with the suspect’s footwear after he was arrested.

“Ironically, while heavy snow had caused problems for many people, it was significant in helping us catch this dangerous individual who has now been taken off the city’s streets. “Robbery is a crime which can have a significant impact on victims and this is something we will not stand for.”

Despite extensive enquiries the second suspect has not been located and the investigation remains open.