Harry Fryett, 27, of Belle Vue Place, Southend, has been sentenced to four years and ten months in prison after pleading guilty to robbery and burglary charges. The violent offender carried out the crimes in Southend and Westcliff in December 2022 and May 2023.
On the night of December 10, 2022, Fryett approached a stranger at a cashpoint on Southend High Street. Armed with a baton, he struck the victim over the head, demanding cash. He stole £50 before fleeing on a bicycle. Witnesses quickly alerted authorities, and Fryett was apprehended just 25 minutes later. The baton, found in his pocket, was tested and linked to the victim through DNA.
While on bail for the robbery, Fryett entered a woman’s flat in Westcliff on May 26, 2023. The woman, a nurse who had just returned from a night shift, awoke to find Fryett rummaging through her drawers. He falsely claimed to be a police officer. After a scuffle, Fryett fled, but not before the woman grabbed a necklace he was wearing. DNA from the necklace later confirmed Fryett’s involvement. Fryett was arrested in June and charged with burglary.
At Basildon Crown Court on 26 February, Fryett admitted to both charges. During sentencing on 23 August, he was given a total sentence of four years and ten months. Victims of his crimes shared the lasting impact of his actions, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll.
Detective Constable Sam Whitley, who led the investigation, praised the work of witnesses and the police response in bringing Fryett to justice. “These crimes have left lasting effects on the victims, and we are committed to ensuring that offenders like Fryett are held accountable for their actions,” he said.