Robbers jailed after Conwy shop staff made a stand

Two robbers who fled empty-handed from a Conwy shop after staff fought back have been locked up.

Michael Bowes, 23, of Brighton Road, Rhyl, and Michael Ryan, 24, of Beuno Terrace, Clynnog, donned masks and demanded money from staff at Jacko’s Convenience Store in Marine Road in Pensarn.

But owners Mr and Mrs Patel and shop assistant Wayne Jackson fought back, hitting Ryan on the head with a stick and struggling with Bowes on the floor of the shop.

Both men admitted attempted robbery when they appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court today, and both were jailed for 25 months.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said targeting small convenience stores is always viewed extremely seriously by the court.

“They inevitably lead to custodial sentences being passed,” he said.

The judge added that both had previous convictions for robbery.

“This was far from being out of character for both of you,” he said.

“There was a degree of planning and you used some force until the tables were turned on you.”

Jonathan Austin, prosecuting, said the incident happened at about 6pm on November 18 last year.

“Both men entered the shop wearing balaclavas or ski caps and shouting ‘where’s the money’ and ‘give me the money’,” he said.

“Mr Jackson, who had just finished a shift, shoved Ryan and he fell across a display and tried to make his way out again.

“But he was prevented by Mr Jackson who struggled with him on the floor.

“Mrs Patel picked up a stick from behind the counter and tried to hit Ryan with it.

“Mr Patel was struggling with Bowes and both fell to the floor. He got up and picked up the stick and hit Ryan on the head, causing an injury which required three stitches.”

The staff and a young child who was also in the shop were extremely shaken and upset by the incident, said Mr Austin.

Police officers were alerted and both Ryan and Bowes were arrested.

They both denied being involved in the incident but pleaded guilty after being charged.

Owen Edwards, for Bowes, said he was “genuinely ashamed” of what he had done and said he understood it must have been a frightening experience for those in the shop at the time.

Ryan’s barrister, Simon Killeen, added: “This was only an attempted robbery and he has no complaint that he received some summary justice.”