Semilong Neighbourhood Watch
Violent Semilong Northampton Robber Sentenced

Many of us will recall the violent robbery of the pregnant Semilong resident last year. The incident hit the headlines and shocked the whole community.

The victim had been to the cash point at the Co-op store on Semilong Road and had withdrawn money.

Ricky McAtamney

Ricky McAtamney [photo opposite] who had been laying in wait followed her from the cashpoint and for several streets before hitting the victim over the head with a bottle to steal her handbag containing the £100 she had just withdrawn. Northamptonshire Police investigated and on Friday 15th January 2010 Ricky McAtamney, aged 19 was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court to four and a half years in prison.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Suttie, of Northamptonshire Police, described the attack on Ms Buividaite as "particularly vicious" and said the sentence had reflected that.

He said: "The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and should act as a perfect deterrent. I am satisfied that the work Northants Police put into this investigation yielded a positive result."

The victim, Ms Buividaite, aged 33, said that, despite her attacker being behind bars, she still feared going outside and is terrified of bottles, even if she sees one on television. The Lithuanian national said: "I spend most of my time at home and I have been off work most of the time since the attack. I am now eight months pregnant and I'm scared for myself and my baby. I still get headaches and have nightmares."

If you have any information in relation to any incident, or if you have any information which may help the Police tackle any crime or issue in our Semilong Northampton neighbourhood, please contact Northamptonshire Police using the dedicated Watch number, alternatively contact Northamptonshire West Police or Crimestoppers on the numbers below.

Article Date: 18th January 2010

**Northamptonshire Police Contact Details**

Emergency: 999
Dedicated Watch Line: 01604 XXXXXXX (as previously notified)
Northamptonshire Police Switchboard: 101

Alternatively Call Crime Stoppers Anonymously: 0800 555 111

Drugs In Our Community

As you know, drugs are NEVER something we should turn our backs on. Drugs can be addictive, even cannabis and many people commit crime in order to get the cash to pay for drugs. There is also the side issue of dirty needles being left lying around the Semilong Community, as what happened recently when some were found outside Castle School.

For that reason, if you know anything about drugs in our community, please let the police know, let us know, or tell Crimestoppers.

This is an issue which must be tackled.

9th July 2009