A JAIL sentence has been handed to a young man who attempted a knifepoint robbery in Oxford.

Brendon Matiza, 26, of Leiden Road, Oxford, was jailed for four years after a hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (April 19).

A jury found Matiza guilty of two counts of attempted robbery and one count of possession of a bladed article in a public place, following a seven-day trial.

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At approximately 1.30am on August 4 last year, Matiza called for help from two men in their twenties after he appeared to have fallen off an e-scooter in Garsington Road.

As the men approached, Matiza stood up and pulled a knife from his waistband, which he pointed towards them while demanding they give him their money.

However, a taxi driver intervened and demanded Matiza leave the victims alone, even moving their taxi to try to obstruct the offender from chasing the men.

Officers were called and arrested Matiza, who had a knife in his possession.

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Investigating officer Detective Constable James Clancy, based at Oxford police station, said: “This was a serious attempted knifepoint robbery, which has rightly resulted in a conviction and significant sentence for the offender, Brendon Matiza.

“I want to not only commend the victims for their bravery but also the witness, who intervened and remained on scene until police officers arrived.

“Matiza will now have plenty of time in prison to consider his unacceptable behaviour, which Thames Valley Police will never tolerate.”