A witness in a case against two men accused of robbery gave evidence against them to reduce the punishment for her own crimes, a court heard.
Tessa Ryan told Oxford Crown Court yesterday she had been forced to attack and rob three women at knife-point by Slimane Benhalilou, of Jane Seaman Court, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, and Ian James, of Nightingale Avenue, Greater Leys.
Ryan has pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one of attempted robbery for the offences on October 28 last year. Benhalilou and James have denied similar charges.
Paul Ross, defending James, said Ryan gave evidence against the defendants because she was told by the Crown Prosecution Service that her sentence could be reduced. Ryan admitted this but said she was telling the truth.
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