Violent robber targeted lone women in Leeds city centre

Steven Lindsey inflicted ‘gratuitous’ violence on two victims after stalking them in Leeds city centre.

One woman was followed to her apartment complex and attacked as she got out of a lift.

The second victim was followed along the Headrow in the early hours of the morning then headbutted to the ground.

Judge Christopher Batty imposed an extended sentence to protect the public.

The judge told Lindsey he posed a significant risk of causing physical or psychological harm to women.

It is the fourth time Lindsey has been before the courts for violent robbery

Judge Batty said: “I am satisfied that you are someone who targets lone females when in drink in order to take their possessions.

“These offences also demonstrate your propensity to use significant violence on your victims.”

Dave Mackay, prosecuting, said Lindsey followed a 41-year-old woman into the City Island complex at 10.45pm on February 18 this year.

Lindsey, who had covered his face with his hood, pretended to look at things in the lobby before following her in to the lift.

He attacked her when she got out to walk to her property, pushing her to the ground.

Lindsey called the victim a “bitch” as she held on to her bag. He went to leave but then returned and punched her in the head.

The woman let go of the bag, which Lindsey later threw in a canal. He sold her mobile phone for £50.

Lindsey targeted a 19-year-old victim a month later, March 18, as she walked to meet her friends after a night out.

Leeds Watch CCTV camera operators spotted him stalking the woman through the streets.

Footage shows Lindsey approaching the young woman before suddenly headbutting her with force, knocking her to the ground.

She managed to keep hold of her phone but Lindsey took her handbag.

Camera operators continued to film the attacker and police arrested him nearby after a violent struggle.

He was found in possession of a small amount of mephedrone.

Lindsey, of Langley Road, Bramley, pleaded guilty to two offences of robbery and possession of mephedrone.

The court heard Lindsey robbed an elderly man in his own home in 2008. In 2010 he robbed a woman at knifepoint on a canal towpath.

He then attacked another lone female in North Yorkshire in 2013.

Marcus Waite, mitigating, said Lindsey was ashamed of his offending and had written a letter to the court describing his actions as “cowardly”.

Lindsey was given a total sentence of 11 years, eight months.

He must serve a custodial term of six years, eight months, followed by an extended licence period of five years.