Knife-wielding Ex-killer Sentenced for Terrifying Robbery

A 54-year-old man with a previous manslaughter conviction held a knife to a stranger’s throat and demanded money during a frightening robbery at his own flat in Gendros, Swansea. ⚖️

Swansea Crown Court heard that Brynley Stephens carried out the robbery after a woman had taken the victim to the address under false pretences on September 8 last year.

The victim, who had known the woman for a couple of months, was asked to drive her to a flat in Gendros, collecting Stephens along the way. The woman referred to Stephens as her father, though he was unknown to the driver.

Upon arrival, the pair hurried inside, with the victim following shortly after. Once inside Stephens’ flat, the defendant grabbed the victim, held a knife to his throat and forehead while demanding money and threatening to stab him if he refused.

After a brief struggle, the victim managed to escape, leaving behind his wallet and phone. He flagged down a passing car whose occupants called police.

Judge Geraint Walters told Stephens: “You have had the capacity to kill in the past. It does not seem to have diminished.”

Stephens, of Maesglas Road, Gendros, Swansea, pleaded guilty to robbery. He has 21 previous convictions for 95 offences including manslaughter, aggravated burglary, possession of offensive weapons, three assaults occasioning actual bodily harm, and making threats to kill.

With a 10 per cent discount for his guilty pleas, Stephens was given an eight-year extended sentence as a dangerous offender comprising five years in prison followed by an extended three-year licence period. He can apply for parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence.

Additionally, Stephens was made subject to a 10-year restraining order banning him from contacting his victim. 🔒