Couple jailed after violent robbery at Peterborough shop
During the robbery shop staff and a member of the public were assaulted
A man and woman have been jailed for their roles in a violent robbery at a convenience store in Peterborough, during which shop staff and a member of the public were assaulted.
Jamie Boardman, 39, and Gaynor Steels, 43, were part of a three-person group that targeted the Nisa store on Thistle Drive, Stanground, at around 10pm on 21 May.
Boardman and another unidentified man entered the shop wearing balaclavas, while Steels remained at the entrance acting as a lookout. The two men made their way to the refrigerated section and began filling baskets with meat.
When a member of staff tried to intervene, he was pushed aside. Another staff member triggered a panic alarm.
A customer who had just exited the shop noticed the suspicious behaviour and the balaclavas. Concerned, he returned to the store and confronted Steels, pushing her away from the entrance. A struggle broke out between them on the floor.
One of the masked men then threatened the customer, warning he would stab him if he didn’t back off. Although no weapon was seen, the customer believed the threat was genuine and retreated.
As Boardman attempted to leave the store, another staff member tried to block his exit. Boardman responded by pushing and punching the worker before fleeing with the stolen goods.
Police identified Steels shortly after the incident and went to her home on Aydon Road, Stanground, in the early hours of the next morning. Inside, officers found both Steels and Boardman, along with a balaclava and footwear matching items worn during the robbery. CCTV footage also revealed a tattoo on Boardman’s left hand that confirmed his involvement.
Both were arrested and later admitted to the robbery. Boardman, of Sprignall, Bretton, also pleaded guilty to breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order which banned him from entering any Nisa store.
At Cambridge Crown Court on Monday, 28 July, Boardman was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison. Steels received a sentence of 27 months.
DC Matt Reed said: “This was a terrifying experience for the shopworkers and the member of the public, who genuinely thought one of the robbers had a knife. I’d like to commend them for their bravery.
“Boardman and Steels’s behaviour was disgraceful. They clearly didn’t think about the impact their actions could have on others.
“I’m pleased they were quickly identified and have now faced justice.
“We continue to work with businesses concerning retail crime and offences like this will not be tolerated.”