A Torquay man has been sentenced to four years in prison this week, after raiding a shop at knifepoint.
Ben Fone, 36, of no fixed abode, Torquay, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court after pleading guilty to robbery and possession of a knife.
The court heard how shortly before 3pm on 17 October 2024, police received a 999 call from an employee at a Post Office and convenience store on Union Street in the town.
It was reported a male suspect entered the store and approached the counter, demanding the employee open the till and give him cash. The suspect, soon identified as Fone, then produced a small kitchen knife and pointed it towards the employee reiterating his demand.
Fone then forced his way into the employee area and demanded the employee open the cash drawer. When she did so, he grabbed notes worth £2,305 before running from the shop, mounting a bike and leaving.
After CCTV images were obtained the suspect was identified as Fone, and he was traced and arrested. However, in interviews he denied the robbery and making threats, saying the figure on CCTV wasn’t him.
Officer in the case, DC Jake Woodbridge from Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “Ben Fone showed no regard whatsoever for the welfare of employee who was simply doing her job. This was no doubt a terrifying incident for her and one which will continue to affect her.
“We welcome the sentence given by the court which ensures that Fone has been taken off the streets, and Torquay is a safer place as a result.”
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