Man sentenced to 6 years for involvement in a series of violent robberies that occurred on the City of Manchester district in 2020

Last week (Thursday 22 June 2023), Blake Aghedo (16/03/2000) of Lower Seedley Road, Salford was sentenced to 6 years in jail after pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to steal, theft, robbery, possession of a bladed article, attempted theft and wounding.

Blake Aghedo 

In 2020, a number of victims reported to police that they had advertised their mobile phones for sale on second hand selling app, Gumtree.

Aghedo contacted the victims purporting to be a legitimate customer who wanted to buy a mobile phone after seeing the victim’s adverts on Gumtree. A price was then agreed over messaging apps for the purchase of the phone and a meeting place was suggested.

When the victims turned up to the locations to sell their phones, Aghedo stole the phones from the victims.

On one occasion, when the victims have put up resistance, a machete was produced and, on another occasion, Aghedo stabbed a man in their 60’s in the face with a screwdriver type weapon in order to steal his phone.

There was total of 40 incidents reported to police relating to robberies of a similar nature.

Police tracked Adhego down and he was arrested in 2020 after being linked by phone work and CCTV.

Detective Inspector Natalie McDonald of GMP’s City of Manchester Central Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: "Aghedo had a clear set-up, planning the offences carefully. The victims were understandably traumatised by these incidents.

“This showcases the lengths we take in our investigations - no matter how organised or sophisticated the group or individual may be, we will thoroughly investigate and put offenders away in jail.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the victims, who bravely came forward and have assisted our investigation throughout and also the officers that contributed over the last 3 years – their hard work and continued dedication does not go unnoticed and has ensured that dangerous criminals are now off our streets as we worked hard to put together various pieces of evidence in order to build a timeline of events.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to warn the public to be wary of unrealistically low prices, brand new accounts on second hand buying platforms and an insistence that any payment is always in cash and collection in person.

“If people do decide to go through with a sale avoid meeting the seller in unlit or remote areas, don’t go alone, and do not take the item directly.”

Anyone concerned about crime in their communities or anyone with information can report it online at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.