Man who fled with £20 from three knife point robberies in Gillingham is jailed

An armed robber who targeted three businesses in Gillingham, stealing a total of £20, has been jailed.

At around midday on 25 November last year, Jack Holland-Batt went to a pharmacy in Canterbury Street and threatened a member of staff with a knife.

He demanded cash and the victim took around £20 from the cash till then handed it over.

Holland-Batt became more aggressive and wanted more money but left the premises after he was told there was no more available.

The robber walked to an amusement arcade in Green Street where he pulled the knife from his waistband and threatened an employee.

He wanted money from the safe but when he was told there wasn’t any he walked out.

Holland-Batt repeated his actions at a third business in the High Street.

A distressed shop worker went to a rear room stating she would get the keys for the till but when she returned he had left.

Following the robberies, Holland-Batt contacted Kent Police confessing to his crimes but not specifying where he was.

Officers immediately attended an address he was usually at and arrested him as he approached the front door.

He tried to give a false name and was taken into custody.

Holland-Batt, of no fixed address, was later charged with two robberies, an attempted robbery and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Tuesday the 31 year old was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emma Laimbeer, said:

‘This criminal pulled a knife on three people who feared they were in real danger of being stabbed.

His reprehensible actions led to a swift response by local officers who tracked him down to a town centre address.

Nobody should suffer violence whilst at work and I would like to thank the victims who assisted our investigation and ensured this criminal has been brought to justice.’

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