Fleetwood man jailed for 40 months for robbing a bank at knifepoint

Gary Roberts, 40, of Rutland Avenue, has been jailed for 40 months at Preston Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday, February 12).

Police had been called around 9.15am on December 12 to reports of a robbery at Halifax Bank in Poulton Street.

A man was reported to have stormed into the bank armed with a knife and threatened staff before fleeing on a bike with a quantity of money.

Police arrested a man within 90 minutes of the robbery and recovered a knife nearby, but the man was later released without charge.

Following further investigation, Roberts was identified as a suspect and was later arrested in the Torquay area on December 15.

He was charged with robbery before pleading guilty to the offence.

Det Con Oliver Maughan, of Blackpool CID, said: "This robbery left a lasting impact on the community and those involved.

"Thankfully Roberts was quickly arrested and admitted his guilt before the courts.

"While no one was hurt, his behaviour was intimidating and left the bank staff shaken and distressed.

"We welcome a custodial sentence which reflects the gravity of the crime."