Judge says enough's enough; sends JP robber away for life

Suffolk Superior Court Judge Patrick Brady today sentenced Michael Benjamin, 52 to life in prison for the Jan. 31, 2007 holdup at knifepoint of a Heath Street resident, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

Brady sentenced Benjamin, formerly of Quincy, under the state's habitual offender law.

"It's a harsh sentence, and it's one the defendant brought on himself," DA Dan Conley said in a statement. "The victim was very brave, both in and out of court. We could not have built this case without her, and I hope the result brings her some satisfaction."

According to prosecuters, Benjamin was in the woman's apartment vestibule when she came in. He produced his knife, took her pocketbook, then fled. But she followed him outside and started running after him, yelling "thief!" Police arrested him inside a nearby building.

The woman testified during the trial and during a victim statement after Benjamin was found guilty, said:

The Michael Benjamins in our city have made our neighbors silent witnesses of crime. ... I believe in the idea of community and that is the reason I have overcome any fears I had to testify.