Shopkeeper chased masked ‘armed’ robber out of store

A “BRAVE” shopkeeper carrying a wooden stick chased a gun-toting masked robber out of his store.

Jayendra Patel was alone in his shop in Maesteg when Rhys Randall burst in demanding money and brandishing what appeared to be a handgun.

Randall, Rhys Jervis and Courtney Donaldson were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday for conspiracy to commit robbery.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Gillon Neal, who oversaw the investigation, said: “This was a cowardly and brazen attempt to rob a hardworking and well-respected local shop owner.”

The court heard the incident occurred at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 16, last year at M&V Store in Victoria Street in Maesteg.

Prosecutor Andrew Davies said Jervis entered the shop first to “scope out” the premises, establishing Mr Patel was alone. Randall then entered with his hood pulled over his face and pointed a handgun in the victim’s face, demanding: “Give me the money.”

The court heard Mr Patel picked up a wooden stick from behind the counter and chased him out of the shop.

Prosecutors said Randall returned a few moments later and Mr Patel called the police before Donaldson created a distraction so the others could leave. Mr Patel managed to take down the registration of the black car involved, which was traced to Randall and Donaldson’s address in George Street, Neath, where officers recovered the handgun.

Reading from Mr Patel’s victim impact statement, the prosecutor said: “He spoke of his fear and concern when the weapon was pointed straight into his face.”

Mr Davies argued the aggravating factors included the fact it was a “targeted” and pre-planned offence that happened at night.

Randall, 23, admitted conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

David Purnell, defending, said his client had shown “genuine remorse” and wished to apologise to the victim.

Jervis, 22, from Southville Road in Port Talbot, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Donaldson, 19, was also found guilty of the robbery charge. Robin Rouch, defending, said her relationship with Randall had a “destructive impact” and argued she presented a very low risk of re-offending.

Judge Michael Fitton QC said he did not accept the defendants had shown real remorse. He noted Mr Patel stated he had suffered from “fear and anxiety” during and since the incident.

The judge said: “In my view the nature of this offence is so serious that I would be failing in my public duty if I did not impose an immediate custodial sentence on you all.”

Randall was jailed for five years, while Jervis and Donaldson were each jailed for three years.

DC Neal said: “Mr Patel was terrified when confronted by a masked man brandishing a gun – a weapon he had no way of knowing was fake at that point. His quick-thinking to protect both himself and his business was extremely brave.”