Sheffield masked armed-robber with a "deplorable" record is jailed

A masked knife-wielding robber with a “deplorable” criminal record has been put behind bars after he terrified a shopkeeper at a convenience store.

Sheffield Crown Court heard on Tuesday, January 21, how Ben Wright, 23, of Rodman Street, Woodhouse, Sheffield, demanded cash from the female shopkeeper when he raided the Ironbridge Convenience Store, on Retford Road, Sheffield, on December 13, with a knife and while wearing a plastic skull mask.

Kate Riekstina, prosecuting, said the frightened shopkeeper handed over £70 before Wright demanded a cash box which was also handed over but the defendant failed to get inside it after stamping on the box.

Ms Riekstina added: “The defendant then approached the counter and stole approximately 100 packets of cigarettes and at this point, another man entered the store, who was a member of the public, and the defendant exited.”

A store on Retford Road was targeted. (Google Street View) | Other 3rd Party

Wright also went on to commit two burglaries just two days later on December 15.

Ms Riekstina said during the first burglary on Station Road, Sheffield, Wright smashed windows while two occupants hid in fear in the bathroom as he raided the home.

The owners of a further property on Cross Street, Sheffield, were alerted by police that their home had been raided, according to the court.

Ms Riekstina said the owner of this property discovered the front door had been forced off the hinges and the property was blood-stained and stolen items included jewellery. money and bottles of alcohol.

Police arrested Wright after a chase and he was found with black gloves, a face mask and a screwdriver.

Wright pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing a knife in a public place from December 13 and he also admitted two burglaries from December 15.

The court heard Wright has previous convictions for dishonesty including a robbery, burglaries, a wounding matter and more recently he has been involved in criminality involving offensive weapons.

Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, The Recorder of Sheffield, told Wright: “You are aged 23 with a totally deplorable criminal record.”

Rebecca Tanner, defending, said: “He is truly sorry and recognises in the cold light of day the gravity and the impact his offending has.”

Judge Richardson QC sentenced Wright to eight years of custody.