Man jailed for attempting to rob Reading store at gunpoint

He was convicted of robbery and attempted robbery, and was in possession of a firearm in the two separate incidents.

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In February 2017, Luke Andrews, from Bournemouth, attempted to rob the newsagents in Woodcote Way, Reading.

He entered the store and approached the counter before pointing a firearms at a member of staff and demanding money.

The quick-thinking member of staff then wrestled the gun from Andrews, who fled the scene on foot.

Watch the incredible footage below 

He also robbed a store in Yarnton in February 2017 after threatening a member of staff with a handgun.

The member of staff handed over a quantity of cash before Andrews fled the scene.

At a trial at Reading Crown Court on Monday, July 22, Andrews was jailed for six years and eight months.

The gun used to threaten staff during the robbery

Investigating officer, detective constable Jon Morley of Force CID, said: "I am delighted that Luke Andrews has been jailed for six years and eight months for these extremely serious crimes.

"This was an extensive investigation involving work from across a number of departments in the force, including CID, forensics, and scenes of crime, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service.

"I want to thank everyone who worked on this case to ensure that a very dangerous offender has been incarcerated for a significant period of time.

"Following the attempted robbery at the newsagents in Reading, the gun and a black bin liner, which the suspect had left at the scene, were recovered and forensically examined.

"Andrews’ DNA was located on both the handle and gas canister chamber of the gun.

"Andrews’ fingerprints were also found on the black bin liner, which he took to the scene.

"Further, enquiries into cell site data established that Andrews’ phone had travelled from Bournemouth to Yarnton on the day of the robbery, which linked him to the location.

"CCTV footage from the robbery in Yarnton and the attempted robbery in Reading were then compared, and it appeared that the offences were committed by the same person, due to the similar clothing that the offender was wearing, and the firearm appeared to be the same.

"It was later established that the firearm was a very realistic looking imitation firearm designed for firing 6mm spherical plastic projectiles.

"The gun had the appearance of a real revolver with a silver frame and black pistol grips – the victims must have been petrified as it was pointed at them.

"I want to praise the victims in this case for the bravery they have demonstrated. I hope they feel that justice has now been done."