Armed robbers jailed after two raids at a Sheffield newsagent's

Sheffield Crown Court heard on Tuesday, January 28, how Wayne Robinson used a knife during the first raid at HR News, on Duke Street, Sheffield, and during the second raid at the same shop he used an imitation firearm with an accomplice.

Robinson, 34, of St John’s Road, Sheffield, admitted committing two counts of robbery and to possessing a knife and an imitation firearm, and his accomplice and cousin Joshua Lawrenson, 22, of Richmond Park Rise, Sheffield, admitted one count of robbery and to possessing an imitation firearm following the second raid.

Judge Peter Kelson QC told Robinson: “Your victim after your second robbery gave up and she intended to put the business up for sale.

“I am satisfied there was clearly significant psychological harm having had a knife put in her face and then a gun.”

Ian Goldsack, prosecuting, said the owner has been looking into new security after the raids in November and December, 2018 and had been so distressed they had been considering putting the business up for sale.

Mr Goldsack said: “Weapons were taken on both occasions and bags were taken and gloves were worn suggesting a degree of forensic awareness.”

Amy Earnshaw, defending, said Robinson, who has previous convictions, had drug issues and he had tried to find work but met “brick walls” so he fell back into old ways.

Mrs Earnshaw added that Robinson is genuinely sorry for the impact of his actions.

Chris Aspinall, defending, said Lawrenson was pressured into the second robbery by Robinson who had a drug debt and Lawrenson had been a look-out.

Judge Peter Kelson QC highlighted Robinson had used a knife in the first robbery and an imitation firearm in the second robbery and he had taken a bag for the removal of goods.

Robinson, who has previous convictions for possessing an offensive weapon and a firearm, affray, robbery and theft, was sentenced to 12 years of custody.

Lawrenson, who has a previous conviction for possessing an offensive weapon, was sentenced to three years of custody.