Now they have faced justice
From left: Jimi Miko and Jiri Miko(Image: GMP)
Three men who targeted lone men, attacked them and stole their phones in Manchester city centre have been locked up. Jiri Miko, 27, was the third defendant to be jailed as he faced justice at Crown Square last Friday (December 19).
His accomplices Jimi Miko, 29, and Marian Horvath, 26, had already been jailed. It follows three separate incidents in 2022, with each taking place in the early hours of the morning, including two on the same night.
Greater Manchester Police says that on April 28, 2022, a lone male was grabbed, punched and robbed by Jiri Miko and Jimi Miko on Oxford Road. The blow caused a fractured eye socket, which left the victim requiring hospital treatment.
CCTV and witnesses confirm Jiri Miko initiated the attack and was involved in the theft. Both suspects fled, discarding a stolen bag shortly after.
Less than a fortnight later, on May 7, 2022, Horvath, Jiri Miko and Jimi Miko attacked a man while trying to steal his phone on Princess Street. The victim was kicked to the floor, repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on, with the group attempting to take his phone before fleeing down the street.
Later that day, at the junction of Dickinson Street and Portland Street, the next victim was walking with a friend when Jiri Miko, Jimi Miko and Horvath approached from behind. The victim was punched from behind and fell to the floor, causing his jaw to break into two pieces.
He also suffered a fracture to his skull and a laceration to the back of his head. As the victim lay in the recovery position, the group stood over him and threatened the witness. They then stole the victim’s phone and left laughing, showing no remorse, GMP says.
Officers launched an investigation, trawling through CCTV to discover that the offenders remained in the city centre for hours after the attacks, which led to their identification. The trio were later arrested.
In a victim impact statement, one of those targeted said: “Before the offence, I had anxiety, stress, and epilepsy. I was attacked by three people, suffering facial bruising that needed hospital treatment – it was terrifying.
“The attack has worsened my anxiety, after I stayed indoors for weeks and to this day, I still feel fearful outside. The trial has forced me to relive the trauma and suffer triggering seizures.
“While my physical injuries have healed, the psychological impact remains. I hope the defendants understand how deeply this has affected my life.”
Jiri Miko and Jimi Miko were both charged with three counts of robbery. Horvath was charged with two counts of robbery.
Crown Square(Image: MEN Media)
Jiri Miko, of Armitage Grove, Worsley, was sentenced to five years and four months in prison at Crown Square Crown Court last Friday. Jimi Miko, of Belper Walk, Manchester, was previously sentenced to six years and four months in prison at Crown Square.
Horvath, of High Street, Middleton, was also earlier sentenced to three years and nine months at Crown Square. Following the latest court case, PC Ross Smith said: “These were shocking and unprovoked attacks on innocent men who were simply making their way home.
“Miko and his accomplices used violence and intimidation to steal from their victims, leaving them with serious injuries and lasting psychological trauma. This sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring violent offenders to justice.”