Axe wielding man jailed for raiding a travel agency
Peter Francis Elvin has been jailed for 11 years
A man who threatened staff in a travel agency with an axe before making off with a large quantity of cash has been jailed for 11 years.
Peter Francis Elvin, of Newcastle, had only been out of prison for a few days when he purchased the weapon from a DIY store before he confronted staff in Hay’s Travel, Front Street, Stanley, on Friday October 1.
He demanded money from the till before ordering staff to open the safe. He left with a large amount of Sterling and foreign currency.
The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to armed robbery and possession of a bladed article at Durham Crown Court at a previous hearing and today a judge ordered him to serve 11 years in prison.
PC Sarah Crampton said: “This was a truly terrifying incident for the staff at Hay’s Travel and they were left extremely shaken - thankfully no-one was hurt.
“This was a despicable crime in which Elvin planned what he did with meticulous detail.
“We would like to thank members of the public who helped ensure he has been made to take responsibility for his actions.”