A man who threatened to kill a 12-year-old boy before stealing his bike has been jailed for two years, following a British Transport Police investigation.

Kevin Holloway, aged 41, of Ford Lane, Litherland pleaded guilty to robbery at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, 12 March.

The court heard how on Saturday 18 February last year, the victim boarded a Merseyrail service from Ormskirk with his mountain bike.

Holloway was already on the train and the boy noticed that he kept glancing over at his bike.

When he left the train at Aughton Park, Holloway followed.

Holloway walked ahead of the victim who had met his friend on the platform.
When he and his friend came to exit the station at the top of the stairs, Holloway ran at them shouting “give me your bike or I will kill you” and forcibly snatched the bike before cycling off, while continuing to shout threats at the two boys.

Investigating officer DC Scott McCabe said: “This was a terrifying experience for Holloway’s 12-year-old victim and his friend. Both boys were shocked and distressed by what happened.

“To target two young boys and make threats to kill in order for them to be so afraid that they hand over their property is a cowardly and disgusting act.

“Holloway’s sentence reflects the severity of this crime and should send out a message to anyone with similar intentions that we will do everything in our power to bring them before the courts.”