Knife-wielding thug jailed for 35 years after terrorising women and elderly victim
A violent knifeman who terrorised young women and even an 84-year-old granny has been slammed with a massive 35-year jail term at Snaresbrook Crown Court today, Friday 22 March. Ross Dawson, 32, of no fixed address, admitted to a series of robberies and an aggravated burglary, all involving the threat of a knife.
Relentless Knife Attacks on Defenceless Victims
Dawson’s crime spree began in July 2017 while he was already wanted on a prison recall for breaching his release conditions. The first shocking incident saw him threaten a taxi driver with a knife after asking for a lift in Romford. After demanding cash, he punched the driver and dragged him from the vehicle, holding a blade to his throat. The getaway car failed to start, forcing Dawson and a young female accomplice to flee on foot.
Just days later, a 61-year-old minicab driver fell prey to Dawson, who forced him at knifepoint to hand over cash and even his driver’s ID chain. Unknown to him, the chilling robbery was caught on dash-cam, leaving no doubt over the terrifying ordeal.
Exploiting Kindness of an 84-Year-Old
Dawson’s cruelty extended to an 84-year-old woman outside her home in Romford. Posing as a man with a pregnant wife in distress, he asked for a lift to hospital. Instead, he made her stop on a remote road, shoved her out of the car and sped away, leaving her shocked and vulnerable. A bystander’s dash-cam captured the event, adding vital evidence.
Nightmare Home Invasion Ends with Victim Fearing for Her Life
The final violent act involved a terrifying home raid in Ilford. After the homeowner let in the same teenage accomplice from the July incident, Dawson and another man forced their way in. Holding a knife to the woman’s throat, Dawson choked her until she blacked out. When she came to, terrified and shaking, the attackers were gone, but the trauma remained.
Dawson was arrested on 3 August 2017 and charged with these horrific crimes. The 15-year-old girl caught with an 8-inch kitchen knife pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article.
Detective’s Verdict: ‘Worst Crimes I’ve Ever Investigated’
“This is a despicable individual whose violent crimes are some of the worst I have ever investigated,”
said A/Detective Sergeant Billy Baxter.
“His 35-year sentence, with no parole for 20 years, sends a strong message and offers victims some peace of mind to help them move on. The sentence also covers charges of blackmailing fellow inmates while in custody.”
Dawson’s brutal reign of terror is finally over, but the scars he left on his victims will linger for a lifetime.
