Two men jailed for a series of robberies in Stourbridge
The offences happened last year in the town
Two men have been handed jail terms totalling over 20 years for carrying out a series of robberies over two days in Stourbridge last year.
Peter Marsden and Stephen Beckley were sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday 5 July for a number of robbery offences, which occurred in March 2022.
Marsden, 58, and Beckley, 34, committed the first of their robberies at the Spar store, Bridgnorth Road, on 29th March. They then struck twice again the following day, 30th March, firstly at Sainsbury’s on the High Street in the Wollaston area, and then at Tesco Express on Hagley Road, Stourbridge.
On each occasion, the pair made threats to staff members, wielding weapons including what appeared to be a handgun, before making off with cash and other items. Thankfully, none of the people targeted by the duo were physically injured but these were nonetheless extremely frightening ordeals for all of them.
Police investigated, and while both men were disguised when they carried out the robberies, officers caught up with them within a week of their last offence after gathering witness testimonies and analysing CCTV footage. Police picked Marsden up on 4th April and Beckley on 5th April.
Marsden of Enville Street, Stourbridge, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a bladed article and affray. He was sentenced to 11 years and two months.
Beckley, also of Enville Street, Stourbridge, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and possession of an imitation firearm. He was sentenced to nine years and 10 months.
DC Luke Capewell from Dudley CID, said: “Marsden and Beckley embarked on something of a robbery spree in Stourbridge, targeting three stores within two days. I’ve no doubt that they would have carried on had we not stopped them in their tracks.
“Following a swift investigation, we quickly identified and apprehended the suspects, bringing their robberies to a halt. We’re especially grateful to the victims of this duo for their courage in coming forward with information after what was undoubtedly a traumatic experience.
"Marsden and Beckley are callous, dangerous individuals and we’re pleased to see them justly punished for their actions.”