Youths locked up over botched gun robbery at store

Craig Jackson and Peter Wass had disguised themselves in dark clothes, hoodies and masks before going into the Co-operative store demanding money on May 22 last year.

But their clothes only attracted attention before they even went into the shop because it was such a sunny day, and when staff bravely refused to hand over any cash the pair lost their nerve and fled.

Some of the shoppers, including an off duty policeman, then chased them over York Road and through the grounds of a cemetery before they disappeared into undergrowth.

The pair actually crossed the River Nidd, and escaped, but after police dogs, armed officers and a helicopter were called in Jackson was found, said Alan Mitchison prosecuting. A bag found nearby which had gunshot residue on it also had the fingerprints of Wass on it.

He got away that day but was later arrested by armed officers in a dawn raid at his home.

Wass, 17, a farm worker of East Park Road, Harrogate, was ordered to be detained for five years after a jury convicted him at Leeds Crown Court in December of attempted robbery and possessing a firearm with intent.

Jackson, 19, of Church Hill, Spofforth, near Wetherby admitted both offences and was sent to a young offender institution for a total of 40 months.

Sentencing them the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, said he was satisfied Wass was more involved in the planning since he had sourced the gun, which was never recovered, and arranged a lift to Knaresborough for them.

But the raid failed because those in the shop “had firmer resolve than you had perhaps anticipated”.

Alasdair Campbell for Jackson said although the older of the pair, he had come under the influence of Wass becoming involved in the “amateurish” and out-of-character raid when in financial difficulty.

Richard Reed, for Wass, said he still denied he was involved in the attempted robbery in any way.