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
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2023 
