A masked man who threatened two shop workers with a gun during a robbery at a Tesco petrol station has been jailed for five years.
It happened shorty after midnight on December 14th last year.
Staff at the store had locked up and gone to their cars, when a masked man smashed the car window with a hammer, pointed a gun in the driver's face and demanded they open up the store.
He also demanded they hand over their personal belongings.
Inside the store, he loaded up two 'bag for life' bags with cash and cigarettes before leaving.
Unbeknown to him, the cash he stole had a tracker, which led police to a house in nearby Daisy Road.
Following a search of the property, officers discovered the two bags containing cash and cigarettes, clothing matching the description of clothing worn by the suspect during the offence, and a gas powered air pistol which was concealed in a hole in the wall within the eaves.
A black balaclava was also seized from a vehicle parked outside.
Darren Burdfield, 39, a building labourer, of Barnet Way, Worthing, was arrested at the address and charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
At Lewes Crown Court on 14 January – exactly one month after the offence – he was committed to five years’ imprisonment.
Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, District Commander for Adur, Worthing and Horsham, said:
“This robbery occurred at a store in the centre of a densely populated residential area, and we understand the fear and concern this can cause the surrounding community.
“Thankfully, we were able to swiftly locate and arrest the defendant, and secure the evidence required for a timely prosecution.
“I’d like to commend the bravery of the two victims in this case. Though they were not seriously hurt, they have been understandably shaken by this incident.
“I’d also like to remind the public to remain vigilant – if you are aware of any suspicious activity, you can report it online or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
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