Man jailed for Post Office robbery in Reading
Police described the ordeal for staff as "terrifying"
A man has been jailed for a robbery in Tilehurst.
30-year-old Gavin Mackie of Josephine Court in Reading, was sentenced to four years in prison at Reading Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of possession of a bladed article.
At approximately 4.45pm on 23 March this year, Mackie jumped over the counter in the Post Office on School Road while holding a kitchen knife.
Mackie then forced a staff member to open the till, from which he stole a large quantity of cash before leaving.
The shop manager chased Mackie but lost sight of him along Armour Road.
CCTV captured the incident in full and a fingerprint from the scene was identified as Mackie’s.
On 11 April, he was arrested at his home address and clothing that matched what the man was wearing on the CCTV footage was seized.
Mackie was charged the same day. In addition, the staff member positively identified him in an identity procedure.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Phil Marchant, based at Reading police station, said:
“I’m pleased for the victim that justice has been served as this was a terrifying ordeal for them while they were at work.
“I would like to thank them for putting their trust in us to investigate this horrible crime which has resulted in the offender pleading guilty and being jailed due to the strength of our investigation.
“Tackling knife crime remains a priority for the force and we are committed to bringing those that use knives to commit crimes to justice.
“We will not tolerate such criminality within Reading and the wider Thames Valley.”