Man jailed for phone robbery after targeting woman alone

A visiting sportsman from Papua New Guinea has been sentenced to three years in prison after attacking a woman in Jersey and stealing her mobile phone.

Kipling Doriga, who had travelled to the island as part of a touring sports team, targeted the woman late on Monday, 25 August 2025. The court heard that the 30-year-old struck her, knocking her to the ground, before taking her phone and fleeing the scene.

Police launched an immediate investigation and arrested Doriga the following day. He appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where he admitted the robbery.

Detective Sergeant Jim McGranahan of the Criminal Investigations Department said officers acted swiftly despite having limited information about the suspect, who had only been on the island for a short time.

“Because this was a stranger assault on a lone female at night, we committed significant resources,” he said. “Detectives were able to identify Doriga quickly, secure his arrest and recover the stolen phone. We remain committed to tackling violence against women and girls and to safeguarding islanders.”

Doriga was jailed by the Royal Court after pleading guilty.