A “deplorable” robber who threw coffee over his victim before stealing his mobile phone in a city-centre attack has been jailed.
Police said Simon Quest, 37, cycled behind his victim before hurling coffee over him, resulting in the man falling to the ground in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, on 6 June.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said Quest, of no fixed address, was arrested a short time later. The force added that, during a subsequent search, officers seized bolt cutters, Mercedes wheel locks, and a manbag.
After a two-day trial at Bolton Crown Court, jurors took only 33 minutes to find Quest guilty of robbery and he was jailed for four years and six months.
Det Con James Hayes said: “Quest has shown no remorse for his deplorable actions throughout the entire process, so we welcome this sentence.
“Our victim was left completely disoriented and was unable to defend himself and Quest took this opportunity to steal his phone.”
He added: “I’d like to thank members of the public who rushed to help the victim [and] also stayed at the scene to share witness statements with us.
“Their assistance and continued support have been crucial to securing this conviction.”
He said GMP was “committed to making Piccadilly Gardens the safe and welcoming space we know it can be” and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.