Machete threat Leeds robber is jailed

Craig Quinn, 28, was caught after he took some of the winning cards to neighbouring stores to collect cash within hours of the raid.

Leeds Crown Court heard Quinn wore a face mask and was carrying a large knife as he approached the counter and said: “Give me your money.”

Quinn then lunged at the shop keeper with the weapon during the incident at P & N News, Brooklyn Terrace, Armley, Leeds. Martin Robertshaw, prosecuting, said: “According the (victim) he did fear for his life and was very frightened.”

The shopkeeper picked up a stool to protect himself. The two men struggled before Quinn took the scratch cards and left.

After the robbery Quinn shared the cards with Damien Mackay, who also claimed winnings at local stores.

The court heard McKay was also responsible for a series of thefts in west and central Leeds.

Offences included McKay steal £50 in change from a bus he was travelling on after it was involved in a collision and the driver went to help passengers off the vehicle.

He also stole £55 worth of meat from a Co-op store on Wellington Street and £180 worth of perfume from Debenhams.

Quinn, of Holdforth Close, Armley pleaded guilty to robbery. Jailing him, The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier, QC, said: “it was a bad offence of robbery. It was a fearsome weapon you had in your hand.”

McKay pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, five offences of theft, failing to surrender to custody and failing to take a drugs test.

McKay was jailed for 15 months.