Man who bit woman during robbery in Denton jailed

A man who bit his victim during an attempted robbery has been jailed.

Kyle Valentine, 25, of Chapel Street, Llandudno, was sentenced yesterday at Minshull Street Crown Court to three years in prison for attempted robbery, attempted burglary of dwelling, breach of a community order and breach of a suspended sentence order.

It happened in January 2021 in the car park of a supermarket in Denton. He approached a woman who was sat in her car and demanded she get out of the car and hand over her keys. He pulled at the door and threatened her, saying he had a knife in his pocket.

His victim got out of the car and he grabbed the keys from her hand. A scuffle ensued and to stop him from stealing the car, she hit him over the head with her handbag, but Valentine then bit her on the hand.

He then climbed into the car and was ready to flee, when the woman called for the help of a passerby who got him out of the car. Valentine then threw the keys at the woman, before jumping over a fence and running away.

Just minutes later, he then tried to gain entry to a nearby house. He tried the handle, but a woman who was at home with her baby heard the door handle rattle and went to the window to see him walking away.

When she reported this to the police, officers recognised the description from the first incident. Patrols found him a short time later close to the house and arrested him.

Trainee Detective Constable Natalie Fairhurst, of GMP's Tameside CID, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for both women involved, who were left frightened and in one case received bruising after being bitten by Valentine, so I am pleased with today's result.

"The offender was clearly undeterred by the confrontation following his robbery attempt and has gone on to strike again only minutes later, wearing his jacket inside out in an effort to change his appearance.

“Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated across Greater Manchester and, please let it be known, if you are thinking of taking part in this type of criminal activity you will be brought to justice.”