A Wrotham resident who tried to rob a local shop with a knife has been jailed.
During the early evening of 23 October 2023, Michael Briggs entered a store in the High Street and purchased some crisps. He left the premises and a few minutes later returned armed with a knife.
Briggs then threatened a shop assistant with the weapon and demanded money from the cash till. His victim refused and when another customer came in, he agreed to leave.
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The police were alerted and when patrols arrived at the scene he was located and told to put down the knife.
When Briggs refused and put his hand in a pocket where the weapon was suspected to be located, further warnings were given, before it was necessary for an officer to discharge a Taser. He was arrested and a craft knife was seized.
Briggs, from Wrotham was later charged with attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.
He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Wednesday 31 January 2024, and the 35-year-old was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment. He will also be subject to a 10-year restraining order upon his release.
Detective Constable Megan Collins, of the Kent Crime Squad, said:
‘This criminal armed himself with a weapon with the sole purpose of robbing a local shop. He threatened a woman who bravely stood up to his demands and was ultimately taken into custody.
‘Had Briggs succeeded, this small business would have suffered a significant loss. These crimes can have an impact on their ability to continue trading and he should be ashamed of his actions. I would like to thank the victim and witnesses who have assisted us to bring him to justice and ensure Wrotham remains a safe place to live and work.’