Addict jailed for stealing to feed habit

9:39am Wednesday 16th January 2002

A KNIFE-WIELDING robber who carried out two raids within 15 minutes of one another when high on drugs, has been jailed for five years.

Matthew Woodward, 28, was put behind bars for a total of three robberies, three thefts and an attempted robbery committed over a three-day period in August last year.

Woodward, of Cheviot Road, Langley, Slough, admitted all the offences, which included two within 15 minutes of each other at Unwins off-licence in Gerrards Cross and at Victoria Wines in Beaconsfield.

Robert Spencer-Bernard, prosecuting, said that the offender had mainly gone for spirits and cigarettes in each case, and had drawn a knife on shop assistants in three of the offences.

Goods worth about £130 were involved in the crimes, all of which captured Woodward on CCTV at the scenes of the incidents.

The other offences took place at the Drink Cabin in Langley, Victoria Wines in Chalfont St Peter and a Spar shop in Harefield.

Mr Spencer-Bernard said Woodward had been arrested after the Beaconsfield raid, and had made no comment when questioned by police.

James Lloyd, mitigating, said another person, who the defendant would not name, had been involved in the raids which he claimed were unsophisticated. He said Woodward was driven by a craving for Class A drugs, and added: "On each occasion he was under the influence of drugs.

"But he is now genuinely remorseful and ashamed for what he has done."

Deputy Circuit Judge John Slack jailed Woodward, who had no similar previous convictions, for five years concurrent on the robbery charges, three years concurrent for attempted robbery and 12 months concurrent for the theft offences.

Editor's Choice