York man jailed for 12 years after stabbing caught on camera
Robert Elkes attacked his victim with a Stanley knife
A man who stabbed another man in York earlier this year has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison.
Robert Elkes was jailed at York Crown Court today, 17th November, following the violent attack on Walmgate that left his victim with a collapsed lung.
The sentencing includes seven years and six months for wounding with intent and possession of a knife, along with five years extended licence. Elkes was also sentenced for unrelated offences of robbery and fraud.
The incident happened shortly after 12.15pm on 3rd June, when the 33-year-old victim spotted Elkes riding a bicycle along Walmgate and attempted to run away.
Elkes chased him on the bike and stabbed him in the chest with a Stanley knife, creating a one-inch wound that penetrated his lung. A motorist’s dashcam captured the attack, as did nearby CCTV footage.
After the stabbing, Elkes fled the scene on his bike, while a member of the public gave first aid to the victim.
A Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) from North Yorkshire Police’s Neighbourhood Police Team recognised Elkes on CCTV footage, leading to his swift arrest.
Police searched Elkes’s home and found a Stanley knife matching the weapon used in the attack. They also seized a white mountain bike that resembled the one seen in the video evidence.
Although Elkes initially denied knowledge of the stabbing in police interviews and the victim refused to engage with the investigation, the weight of evidence led Elkes to plead guilty.
Detective Constable Alex Dorlin, who led the investigation for North Yorkshire Police, emphasised the seriousness of the crime and the importance of securing justice.
“This was a violent attack that left the victim with a collapsed lung. Though Elkes denied involvement at first, overwhelming evidence forced a guilty plea, despite the victim’s reluctance to engage with the investigation,” Dorlin said.
“Credit goes to the response officers at the scene who acted swiftly to secure CCTV footage and other crucial evidence. Thanks to the excellent local knowledge of one of our Police Community Support Officers, the suspect was quickly identified from the CCTV and promptly arrested.
“Further analysis of the footage uncovered additional dashcam recordings from nearby vehicles, which clearly captured the stabbing and contributed to the early guilty plea.
“This conviction sends a clear message that we're committed to tackling knife crime and keeping communities safe. Even without victim cooperation, we pursue justice relentlessly.”