‘Cinderella’ Phone Snatcher Receives 15-Month Jail Sentence for Theft
A London phone thief, known as ‘Cinderella,’ has been jailed for 15 months after DNA was found on his shoe left at the crime scene.
London’s ‘Cinderella’ Phone Snatcher Jailed
In a tale that sounds like a modern-day fairy tale gone wrong, Spencer Duarte, a 28-year-old phone thief, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after his DNA was discovered on a shoe he lost while fleeing the scene of a crime. Dubbed ‘Cinderella’ by the police, Duarte made headlines after he attempted to steal a phone in the City of London last August and, in a twist of fate, lost his trainer in the process.
On August 7, as he sped away on his e-bike, members of the public intervened and managed to tackle him to the ground. In the ensuing chaos, he shed one of his shoes on Ludgate Hill, leaving behind a crucial piece of evidence. His rucksack, which contained face masks and kitchen foil, was also abandoned.
Police officials from the City of London utilized DNA analysis on the shoe, leading them to a match in the national database. This clever use of forensics has proven once again that crime doesn’t pay, especially when you leave your footprint—literally—behind.
Duarte was apprehended on September 9 and later admitted to the charge of theft. At his hearing at the Inner London Crown Court, forensic manager Andrew Walker remarked, “The slipper fitted our Cinderella,” underscoring the quirky nature of this case. In a city where 213 phones were reported stolen within a span of five months, perhaps this Cinderella story serves as a cautionary tale for would-be thieves: you might want to leave your shoes at home next time.
Note: This article was generated by an AI system. While it is based on verified sources, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Please use your own judgment when interpreting the information. If you notice any clear errors, please contact us.
