Aspley teenager Charlie robbed of bike for second time
A MUGGER left a schoolboy fearing for his life after threatening him with a flick-knife and stealing his £20 BMX bike.
Charlie Smeeton, 16, was riding home from a friend's house when the robber confronted him in Aspley last Wednesday night.
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Scare: Charlie Smeeton, 16, with his dad. Geoffrey.
It is the second time in three years the teenager has been robbed of his bike in the street.
Charlie left his friend's home in Fulwood Crescent and was riding towards Ambleside Road when the mugger approached at around 8.50pm.
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Charlie, an Ellis Guilford School pupil, said: "I heard footsteps and then someone tapped me on the shoulder. He had run to catch up with me.
"I turned around and he just said 'give me your bike' and then pulled a flick-knife out.
"It was frightening. I was thinking 'am I going to get stabbed?'"
The mugger took the bike, handing Charlie the chain lock.
Charlie then ran home without looking back. He added: "I was scared for my life and just hoping I would get home. Afterwards I just ran as fast as I could."
His dad Geoffrey, 68, applauded police for coming to the house to reassure the family soon after the crime, but hit out at the mugger.
He said: "Charlie was extremely upset. He came in very distressed. He loved the bike because he'd built it from bits and pieces for about £20.
"The person who did this is a coward. There's no other word."
He said Charlie had another bike taken from him by an older youth on Hilcot Drive three years ago.
Mr Smeeton said: "This area used to be fairly bad for crime, but things have changed and now it's better, but there are still problems."
The suspect is described as white, about 18, of average build and five feet ten inches.
He was wearing black clothing with a hooded top and a black baseball cap.
The stolen bike is red and black with an Apollo frame and orange stunt pegs.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Stevens at Oxclose Lane CID on 101 ext 8034236, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Comments
by jethros1
Thursday, March 22 2012, 8:14PM
“Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. Your kind comments are really appreciated,not all of them positive, but everyone is entitled to their opinion.Can i ask everyone to "Call it a day" now ? But, one final plea, if you spot Charlies bike, or have any information can you please call the police, and hopefully catch him before anyone elses son or daughter suffers a similar fate? Once again. Thanks to you all. Geoff , Shaz & Charlie XX”
by jules1706
Thursday, March 22 2012, 7:37PM
“I just hope the police catch the thugs that did this to my lovely neighbours and my friends.”
by jethros1
Thursday, March 22 2012, 6:04PM
“to kpi99 yes it was an unfortunate comment by myself & i have apologised for it. Your offer of£20.00 has touched myself & Sharon. Fortunately we are reasonably OK financially but if you would like to do something, you could make a donation to Victim Support who look after people like Charlie, often going unrecognised. Thank you most sincerely. Geoff”
by kpi99
Thursday, March 22 2012, 5:53PM
“I think the earlier comment about rusty razor blades was unfortunate, but hey, I often say some unfortunate things.
I'm not sure of the situation but I'd be happy to send the lad twenty quid - what he built his bike for, if it's a question of having to save up to replace it.
Let me know via here.”
by emerald88
Thursday, March 22 2012, 5:45PM
“You're welcome. I grew up in aspley and know what its like to be young and scared on the streets, im nearly 24 and still get nervous walking those streets.”
by jethros1
Thursday, March 22 2012, 4:36PM
“to emerald 88 GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU!whoever you are! Love from the Smeeton Family”
by emerald88
Thursday, March 22 2012, 4:09PM
“Im going to say what everyone is thinking, EVE2012 shut the hell up, if this happened to someone you care about you would be just as angry. This family has been through enough without your horrible comments, just keep your thoughts to yourself.”
by jethros1
Wednesday, March 21 2012, 9:28PM
“it is not my intention to get into a "Slanging" match with anyone, all i will say is i hope it never happens to anyone else. All i am trying to do is support my son. If my comments upset anyone then i apologise. I am after all a father looking out for his son.Would n't you?”
by EVE2012
Wednesday, March 21 2012, 8:02PM
“Sorry to hear of your loss Charlie, hopefully your old mans comments won't get you in more trouble with the bullies”
by EVE2012
Wednesday, March 21 2012, 8:01PM
“It can be arranged? Not so innocent as you make out?
I was considering donating something towards a new bike for your son, now I see what kind of family he is from you can get it yourself, out of your pension”