Man jailed for knifepoint robbery in Burnley shop

Matthew Whittaker (25) of no fixed address, was sentenced at Burnley Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, July 2nd) after the incident earlier this year.

Police were called around 11am on March 12th to reports of an incident at the Spar shop in Manchester Road. A man had entered the store carrying a knife. He threatened staff, stealing a quantity of cigarettes and £100 from the till before making off from the scene.

Following enquiries Whittaker was identified as a suspect and quickly arrested. He was charged with robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.

Whittaker pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison.

DC Martin Vernon, of Burnley Police, said: “This was a shocking incident which left the staff involved very shaken and upset.

“Initial enquiries with staff suggested a man had entered the store the previous day and had been acting suspiciously. Following investigation this man was identified as Whittaker and he was quickly arrested and charged.

“He is clearly a dangerous offender who now has time to reflect on his actions in prison.”