Knife thug jailed for four years (From Warrington Guardian)

Knife thug jailed for four years

12:10pm Thursday 30th December 2010 in Where I Live By Matthew Hobbs

AN armed thug who robbed a corner shop at knifepoint has been jailed for four and a half years.

Acer O’Toole, aged 23, who has 26 previous convictions, ‘terrified’ staff at the Bargain Booze store on September 30 last year.

Warrington Crown Court heard last Wednesday how he entered the shop on Kingsway North at 9pm brandishing a knife above his head.

The defendant and accomplice Norman Fisher ordered female staff to the floor and demanded money from the till.

Prosecuting, Joanne Clark said: “Both had hoods on and both had knives.

“They demanded the women get down on the floor and told the shop assistants to open the tills.”

Both yobs were about to leave with more than £400 in cash when two men walking past the shop noticed the robbery was happening.

They blocked the door to prevent escape while both defendants threw beer cans at them, the court heard.

Then, ‘in an act of bravery’, according to Mrs Clark, the two witnesses entered the shop and began fighting with the robbers.

CCTV footage played to the court showed one witness punching Fisher several times in the head, cutting him. Fisher was later arrested through DNA evidence from his blood and sentenced to four years in prison.

The court heard how both shop assistants were left traumatised by the attack and have suffered panic attacks and sleeping problems since.

O’Toole was not arrested until three months after the robbery but was eventually caught in an identity parade.

He has numerous previous convictions for violence and dishonesty, including being caught in possession of an imitation gun.

Michael Scholes, defending, said O’Toole has drug and alcohol problems.

“His family background hasn’t helped and he needs to be resolute in staying away from drugs and alcohol,” he said.

“The CCTV speaks for itself, it was appalling behaviour.”

Judge Roger Dutton sentenced O’Toole to four years and six months for robbery, 12 months for the possession of a bladed article and three months for failing to surrender to custody – the sentences will run concurrently.

He said: “You caused these women agony, pain and distress. Defendants like you will be dealt with severely.”