Man sentenced for "terrifying" robbery in Reading
He stole a 'large quantity of cash' from a bank in Woodley
A man has been jailed for a bank robbery in Reading.
Shaun Atkins, aged 40, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an extended licence period of four years, at Reading Crown Court on Monday (22/5).
He pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in March.
At around 8.30am on 18 January, Atkins and another offender robbed Lloyds Bank in Crockhamwell Road in Woodley, manhandling staff in the process.
The other offender made off in a vehicle while Atkins walked out with a large quantity of cash in pounds, Euro and United States dollars.
Officers attended immediately and arrested Atkins at the scene. The other offender had fled the scene before officers arrived.
Three members of staff suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.
A 30-year-old woman from Woodley was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery on 18 January. She has been released with no further action.
A 29-year-old woman from Twyford, Berkshire, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery on 2 February. She was released under investigation.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Wasim Akram, of the Bracknell & Wokingham Priority Crime Team, based at Loddon Valley police station, said:
“This was a terrifying ordeal for the Lloyds Bank staff and members of public who were on the school run that morning, some of whom are still struggling to come to terms with what happened.
“Our immediate response to the robbery by two PCs and the initial good work thereafter are a big part of why Shaun Atkins was detained.
“That work plus our thorough investigation, along with the support of the victims and witnesses, ultimately brought him to justice with a lengthy prison sentence.
“All the victims are still recovering from this ordeal but I hope this sentence will help aid their recovery and offer closure on what was a very difficult experience.
“We have been working hard to find the outstanding offender but anyone with information about them who hasn’t already spoken to us should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230025811.”