‘Crazed’ armed robber is jailed for crime spree
A‘CRAZED’ armed robber who went on the run after a terrifying crime spree has been jailed.
Darryl Worrall robbed a convenience store at knifepoint before using an imitation gun during two failed raids on a bookmakers and a pub.
The 30-year-old was described as being ‘dangerous and unpredictable’ by the judge, who sentenced him to 13 years in prison.
As Worrall was led down to the cells he gave a thumbs up and said ‘thank you’.
He earlier admitted seven charges including robbery, attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm and possession of a knife.
Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Worrall’s spree began at a Co-op store in Littleborough in February.
Neil Beckwith, prosecuting, said a female worker reported seeing him in the shop, apparently scoping it out.
She described his ‘crazed’ appearance and ‘somewhat aggressive manner’.
Later the same day Worrall returned armed with a knife.
He threatened the woman and when a male colleague came to her aid Worrall punched him in the face before threatening to stab him.
Worrall escaped with £2,154 worth of cigarettes and £180 in cash.
A few days later Worrall attempted to rob a David Pluck bookmakers in Heywood by using a silver imitation handgun.
A female worker was so scared she fled to the shop’s panic room and Worrall left emptyhanded.
After leaving the bookmakers, he went to a nearby pub where staff became concerned about his ‘disturbing behaviour’ and knew of his ‘reputation for violence’.
He was carrying an imitation gun and a knife and attempted to empty the pub’s till, as a female bar worker watched on in terror.
But he was disarmed by two men who were in the pub and again escaped empty-handed.
In March, police launched a manhunt for Worrall, saying they believed he was ‘actively avoiding arrest’.
When he was eventually arrested in April he was found to be carrying two more knives.
Worrall, formerly of Heywood, but described in court as being of no fixed abode, had numerous other convictions for robbery, assault and possession of offensive weapons and had previously served long periods of imprisonment, it was heard.
Michael Lea, defending, said his client had experienced personal difficulties in his life which included problems with drink and drugs.
Jailing him for 13 years judge Mark Savill said: “It is plain to me you have a dangerous and wholly unpredictable nature.
“I am in no doubt that anyone in the betting shop would have been terrified.
“People are entitled to go about their lawful business with being terrified by people like you.”