Armed robber who targeted Motherwell shops after early release jailed

A convicted killer who carried out two armed shop raids just 50 days after being freed early from prison was today jailed for four years.

Sean McLaughlin, 38, committed the crimes within 24 hours at grocery stores in Motherwell, Lanarkshire last August, while he was high on Valium and alcohol.

At the High Court in Glasgow judge Lady Stacey told McLaughlin: “You are a danger to the public.

"Your behaviour last August was disgraceful.

"You were just out of prison for the culpable homicide in which you were responsible for the death of a friend and it appears you have learned nothing from that.”

Lady Stacey ordered McLaughlin to serve two years of the jail sentence he was released early from before starting his new sentence. She also ordered him to be monitored in the community for three years after his release.

Solicitor advocate Rhonda Anderson, defending said: “He had taken Valium and alcohol and has little recollection of these offences. He has expressed shame and remorse.”

The court heard McLaughlin stole a charity money tin from one shop and threatened to murder staff at the other before being bravely tackled to the ground.

McLaughlin was jailed for nine years for culpable homicide in 2013.

But, McLaughlin- who already had a lengthy record of violence stretching back to the late 90s - was allowed back on the streets in June 2019.

He then struck again despite also being under supervision following his release.

McLaughlin pled guilty to the robberies and two related assault charges.

He first targeted the Smith and Co shop on August 14.

He brandished a knife at a female worker and was described as "increasingly angry and desperate" as he demanded cash.

McLaughlin escaped with a charity tin as well as a haul of cigarettes.

The next day, he grabbed a woman working at the Lifestyle Extra shop in Motherwell and held a blade to her throat.

Two other members of staff raced out to her aid. The thug went on to punch and kick them.

Prosecutor Euan Cameron said McLaughlin yelled: "I will murder you."

McLaughlin was eventually retrained, but ranted: "I have seen your face. You won't live long."

Police soon arrived to arrest him. McLaughlin then stated to officers: "Why the f*** did I do that for?".

McLaughlin appeared for sentence via a video link from prison.

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