Prestwick robber branded "stupid" by judge
An armed robber who tried to steal a charity money tin from a local shop was branded “remarkably stupid” by a judge.
Kevin McManus returned to the dock having earlier admitted to a hold-up at the Spar store in Prestwick, South Ayrshire in February last year.
He brandished a knife and a hammer at two workers - but one identified the 32 year-old as often shopping there.
McManus waslocked up for 32 months at the High Court in Glasgow.
Describing the raid, Lady Scott told him: “This was remarkably stupid because you were a regular customer and recognised.”
However, the judge added staff remained “traumatised” by what happened.
The court heard how McManus targeted the Spar store following an argument with his girlfriend.
He then later sent her a message claiming he was going to “do a robbery”.
His lover was so concerned about the text that the police were alerted.
One of the staff at the shop refused to hand over takings after she knew him as a customer.
McManus then brought out a hammer and tried to smash open a tin collecting cash for a local hospice.
But, the unemployed dad, of Monkton, South Ayrshire, failed and left the shop empty handed.
Lorenzo Alonzi, defending, today/yesterday said: “He finds it hard to believe that he acted in this way.”