Two masked robbers who argued over carrying the loot and used fake Scouse accents to confuse a shopkeeper have been jailed for four years each. Stephen Bradley, 56, and David Oakley, 48, targeted Maddy’s Store in New Mills, Derbyshire, on November 26 last year, threatening staff with a knife and an imitation firearm.
Bungled raid caught on CCTV
The pair, wearing balaclavas, demanded cash from the till before fleeing with £4,000 worth of cigarettes, £200 in cash, and nine bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey. However, their getaway was far from smooth, as CCTV footage shows them bickering over who would carry the stolen goods.
Using the fake name ‘Charles’, one robber ordered the other to put the cash in his pocket, only to be met with a flat refusal. In a bizarre attempt to throw off the shopkeeper, they then adopted exaggerated Scouse accents, telling each other: ‘Hurry up so we can get on the motorway to Liverpool.’
Apology before fleeing
In an unexpected twist, Oakley paused to apologise to the shopkeeper before making off. He told her: ‘Sorry love, sorry love, we really are. We’ll never come again, we’ll never hurt you. We’re very sorry.’ Despite the apology, the pair, who lived just five minutes from the shop, were tracked down and arrested within days.
Justice served
Bradley admitted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm, while Oakley pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a knife. Both were sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to four years in prison.
The case highlights the importance of CCTV in identifying criminals, even when they attempt to disguise their identities with fake accents and balaclavas. The swift arrest of the duo demonstrates the effectiveness of police work in bringing offenders to justice.
