Five Years for Violent Robber Caught when Leith Shopworker Sat on Him

A violent robber was jailed for more than five years after his crime spree in Edinburgh was brought to an end by a victim who captured him.

Michael Kane, 27, tried to flee from his final raid on a branch of Subway on Leith Walk but the man he attacked attempted to block him in the premises.

The heroic employee, Karanvir Johal stopped Kane leaving by sitting on him until police arrived.

A judge praised the actions of Mr Johal as he jailed Kane for five years and three months for the robbery bid at the premises and armed raids at two newsagents in the city.

Lord Burns said he was to be "commended for his bravery in apprehending you and restraining you until the arrival of the police".

Unemployed Kane earlier admitted the robbery bid on November 29 last year at Subway, and robberies at First News in Gorgie Road on September 7 and Dalry Newsagents in Dalry Road on November 27.

The judge told him he would have faced a seven-year jail sentence but for his guilty pleas. He also ordered that Kane should be under supervision for a further three years.

Homeless Kane, who has an extensive criminal record, wounded Hassan Feroze with a knife during his terrifying robbery at First News.

Kane then assaulted Umme Munni while she was working at Dalry Newsagents the following month.

Defence counsel Susan Duff said Kane particularly regretted the physical violence that had been perpetrated against victims.