Drug addict in sword-wielding raids locked up

Liam Keane, 19, of no fixed abode, carried out the attacks on the same day in a bid to get enough money to pay off a debt to his cannabis supplier, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Keane's first target was a Shell garage on Bradford Road, Bailiff Bridge, near Brighouse, but a judge heard how manager Zubair Mohammed refused to hand over cash despite the teenager holding the sword just 12 inches from his face.

When Mr Mohammed refused to co-operate Keane produced the sword from a holster and said: "I'm not f****** joking. Open the till. I'll do you."

He fled the premises empty-handed following the raid which happened at 3.30pm on May 4.

The court heard Keane's friend Scott Brady, 18, also of no fixed abode, did not take part in the garage raid, but six hours later they went into the One Stop convenience store on Granny Hall Lane, Brighouse.

Keane again had the sword with him and Brady was armed with a carving knife. They are thought to have made off with between 350 and 500 and cigarettes worth between 80 and 104.

Afterwards Keane returned the sword to a cabinet in the house where the two teenagers were lodging at the time.

Keane admitted attempted robbery, robbery and possessing an offensive weapon.

Brady, who pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing an offensive weapon, was sentenced to three years in a young offenders institution.

Barrister Paul Fleming, for Keane, said he had gone off the rails following the breakdown of a relationship.

Lawyer Richard Brown, for Brady, said he was physically sick after carrying out the robbery at the shop.