Nottingham Knifepoint Robber Jailed For Eight Years

15 March 2019, 17:50 | Updated: 15 March 2019, 18:06

A knifepoint robber who targeted the same store twice within two days has been jailed for eight years.

Matthew New, 36, of Whitton Close, Bestwood, entered the shop in Beckhampton Road, Bestwood, armed with a knife on 9 and 11 December 2018.

On the first occasion he threatened a shop assistant before stealing a quantity of cash.

When New returned to the store two days later the shop assistant recognised him. Believing it was too dangerous to challenge New he fled from the store to seek help.

New tried to force the till open with the knife but was unsuccessful. He then went to a cupboard and stole a quantity of cigarettes from it.

Both incidents were captured on CCTV.

New, who pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and aggravated burglary, was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 14 March 2019).

Speaking after his sentencing Detective Inspector Ed Cook said: "Thankfully no-one was injured but the shop assistant was subjected to a terrifying ordeal at New’s hands.

"I’m pleased with the lengthy prison sentence he was given and I hope it sends out the message that knife crime will not be tolerated in our communities.

"Nottinghamshire Police takes the local issues of knife crime extremely seriously and is working with partners to tackle all aspects of this through education, engagement and enforcement activity.

"The force is also currently taking part in a new knife amnesty across the county to prevent weapons falling into the hands of criminals.

"This amnesty, which is part of the national knife crime campaign Operation Sceptre, runs until midnight on Sunday (17 March 2019).

"It supports a range of ongoing work that Nottinghamshire Police does throughout the year to tackle knife crime, which includes area weapons sweeps, test purchasing exercises, education within schools and intelligence-led policing operations."