Robber jailed after threatening to stab shop staff

A robber who threatened to stab two shop assistants has been put behind bars.

Richard Kavanagh raided the same community shop in West Bridgford twice in three days in order to steal cash and cigarettes.

Kavanagh told the first shop assistant he had a knife and would stab him after walking into the store wearing a mask and with his hood up on 10 August 2022.

During the second robbery, three days later, Kavanagh was seen on CCTV footage to produce a thin, pointed item from his pocket and threaten a different member of staff.

Kavanagh warned the man he would stab him in the neck if he did not hand over money.

When he was arrested after entering the Radcliffe Road store for a third time, on 15 August 2022, Kavanagh was found to be in possession of a screwdriver.

The 38-year-old, of Palmerston Street, Derby, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday (24 October) where he was jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Detective Sergeant Jo Eaton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“We know robberies of this nature can leave shop staff feeling vulnerable in their place of work.

“That is why we work hard on every investigation to trace those responsible, support victims and keep them updated on our inquiries.

“Kavanagh brazenly walked into the shop twice in a matter of days before threatening two different members of staff.

“I hope the victims, and the wider community, are comforted by our robust investigation into the incidents and the sentence handed down.”