Norwich man jailed for using false stabbing story to terrify robbery victims
The man coerced people into handing over valuables after falsely claiming he had recently been released from prison for stabbing someone
A 25-year-old man who intimidated robbery victims by claiming he had recently been released from prison for stabbing someone has been jailed.
Bradley Lovell, of William Kett Close, used the false claim to coerce his victims into handing over cash and valuables in a series of roberies.
Norwich Crown Court sentenced him on 22nd June 2026, after he admitted to five robberies, two fraud offences, and a house burglary.
The judge handed Lovell a six-year sentence, with an additional two years for the dangerous nature of his crimes.
During August and September of last year, Lovell targeted lone men in Norwich city centre, demanding cash and escorting victims to ATMs.
He also forced victims to transfer money into his account, using the fear tactic of his alleged violent past.
One individual was targetted twice within a span of four days.
In addition to the street robberies, Lovell committed a house burglary, stealing cash and bank cards, which he used at a petrol station for food purchases.
Following his arrest and plea to initial charges, Lovell joined Operation Converter, a unit investigating suspects for further offences while on remand.
With evidence presented, he admitted to six more crimes: five additional street robberies and the theft of a tablet device.
These crimes were taken into account and treated as an aggravating factor in his sentencing.
Duncan Etchells, police staff supervisor for Operation Converter, emphasised the distress Lovell caused in Norwich.
He said: “Lovell used intimidation and fear to exploit his victims and his repeated offending across the city caused significant distress which only ended with his arrest.
“While his offending mostly involved relatively small sums of money the impact on his victims should not be underestimated.
“I hope this sentence provides reassurance to the public and gives the victims some sense of justice."