Darwen man jailed for stabbing man during armed robbery
A Darwen man has been handed more than 5 and a half years in jail for stabbing a man during an armed robbery.
A Darwen man has been handed more than 5 and a half years in jail for stabbing a man during an armed robbery.
23- year old Ian Potter, of Lauren Avenue broke into a shop on Walmsley Street with another man and tried to steal money.
He knifed the member of staff in the stomach as he tried to leave the shop.
Around 8pm on 10th January, two men wearing balaclavas entered the store attempting to steal money.
One of the offenders was carrying a machete, while the second man, later identified as Potter, had a knife.
The first raider attacked a male staff member hitting him over the head.
Potter then attempted to stop the victim from leaving the store and stabbed the worker in the stomach before both offenders made off.
The staff member, a 26-year-old man from Darwen, suffered minor injuries and was treated at hospital.
During the struggle, the victim removed Potter’s balaclava.
Officers seized the item as evidence and during testing found it matched Potter’s DNA.
Police arrested the 23-year-old and charged him with robbery.
Potter entered a guilty plea before trial following evidence produced by Lancashire Police.
He was sentenced to five years and seven months in prison.
The second offender is still wanted by police.
Det Con Tony Roberts, of Lancashire Police, said: “This was a particularly shocking crime where two men attempted to steal cash as part of a violent raid.
“The staff member who confronted the pair showed extraordinary bravery and eventually forced the robbers, including Potter, to run from the store.
“Potter showed no remorse for his actions and only pleaded guilty following the overwhelming evidence gathered by Lancashire Police before trial.
“We welcome the court’s decision and hope it serves as warning to others.”