A serial armed robber who targeted several renowned jewellers in Greater Manchester has been handed a jail sentence this week.
Daniel Smith, from Old Trafford in Manchester, first began his string of armed robbery attempts back in January of this year when he targeted and entered Christopher Brown jewellers in Stockport – after having scoped the premises for security weaknesses a month earlier – by propping the electric security door open with a brick in a bag.
He then pressed a weapon against a member of staff and demanded that they hand over a “unique and highly-valued necklace”, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Unfortunately, the 38-year-old managed to escape the premises having stolen the jewellery.
Christopher Brown Jewellers / Credit: Christopher Brown
Then, just two months later in March 2023, he decided to strike again with intention of stealing similar items, and this time chose to target and enter the well-known city centre business, Abelsons Jewellers in St Ann’s Arcade, armed with a claw hammer.
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Smith tried to snatch an expensive bracelet from the owners – 78-year-old Malcolm and 71-year-old Elise Abelson – but, according to GMP, his plan was “foiled by their fearless reactions” when they fought back, leaving him to have to escape in a struggle and without any jewellery, but leaving behind several other items belonging to him that were recovered by police.
Detective Constable Phillip Sargeant from Central Manchester’s CID admitted that had it not been for the “quick-thinking and brave resistance” that Malcolm and Elise put up against Smith, they might never had recovered items leading to his arrest.
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“These were exhibits that directly and forensically linked Smith to the crime scenes,” DC Sargent said.
“With the support of Christopher Brown and Abelson Jewellers, police managed to quickly identify and arrest Smith for a string of robberies as a suspect who targeted established family-owned jewellers and exploited their security.”
Abelsons Jewellers inside St Ann’s Arcade in Manchester city centre / Credit: Abselsons (via Facebook)
After being arrested by police, and subsequently charged, Smith pleaded guilty to three charges at Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 28 March.
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He then appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (15 June).
Smith was handed a sentence of four-and-a-half years for armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2023 
