A ‘dangerous’ armed robber is snared by DNA
A‘ DANGEROUS armed robber who threatened staff at a Macclesfield store was caught after his DNA was found on a snood he discarded during his getaway.
Andrew Monaghan, 42, used a metal bar to terrify workers at the One Shop, on Cross Street, and escaped with £300.
But a resident at Gunco Lane later spotted him behaving suspiciously and alerted police. Officers found the neck warmer, used in the robbery, in a garden.
Monaghan pleaded guilty to robbery at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, July 9, and was jailed for four years and three months.
He had entered the convenience store on October 12 last year and repeatedly banged the metal bar on the counter and demanded money from the till.
After being given cash he then forced staff to take him to the shop’s safe.
Monaghan was seen on Gunco Lane shortly after walking into a driveway and reappearing 10 minutes later having taken off his jacket.
Police, who had already been to the One Shop, were called and found the snood as well as the metal bar - which was a track rod end from a car - in a nearby alleyway.
Forensic tests revealed that the clothing contained traces of DNA from
Monaghan, of HMP Altcourse and formerly of Huyton.
Detective Constable Clare Slattery, of Macclesfield CID, said: “I welcome the sentence that Monaghan has been handed.
“He subjected those who were working in the convenience store to a terrifying ordeal.
“To be threatened by a man holding a weapon while you are simply trying to do your job and make a living is something that no-one should have to experience.
“Monaghan claimed he had committed the offence to pay off a large drugs debt and that he feared for the safety of his family.
“However, he showed no thought for the impact that the robbery would have on the victims.
Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “I would like to thank all the officers involved in this investigation.
“As a result of their work and the information provided by the public a dangerous man is now behind bars.
“This incident also acts as a reminder of the wider impact that illegal drugs have on our communities.
“It’s not just about people buying and selling illegal drugs, it’s also about the lengths that people will go to in order feed their addictions, which can have widespread repercussions.”