A Sittingbourne man who terrorized petrol station employees with a dummy handgun has been sentenced to prison following a violent robbery in Bapchild. Michael Pollock, 35, was apprehended by Kent Police just one hour after the incident occurred at the BP Service Station on London Road.
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The robbery took place at approximately 9:20 pm on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Pollock entered the premises and confronted a member of staff, brandishing what appeared to be a functional firearm. Witnesses reported that he repeatedly threatened to shoot the employee while demanding that the till be opened. During the confrontation, Pollock turned the weapon on a second staff member, shouting threats and pointing the imitation firearm directly at him.
The situation escalated as one victim managed to escape the building to alert authorities. While the employee called the police, Pollock climbed over the service counter and forced the cash register open, seizing an undisclosed sum of money. In a moment of physical intervention, the remaining staff member engaged with Pollock and managed to seize the weapon. Upon grabbing the device, the victim realized it was a dummy firearm and threw it toward the assailant as he fled the store.
Both employees pursued Pollock outside, where a struggle ensued. The victims successfully recovered a portion of the stolen cash before Pollock fled the scene. Responding officers reviewed CCTV footage of the robbery, which provided a clear identification of the suspect.
Police tracked Pollock to his address, where he was arrested shortly after the crime. He was subsequently charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing and at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday 25 March was jailed for six years and two months.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Jack Seager said:
‘Pollock was motivated by his own greed and used a weapon in a public place to inflict fear towards the victims, not caring about the long lasting impact his actions could cause. Quick work by officers meant this dangerous individual has been taken off the streets and will spend a significant time behind bars.’