Armed robber jailed for knife terror attack

Liverpool Crown Court heard that homeless Mark Fleming had only been released on licence from prison two months earlier after another robbery.

Jailing him for five years four months with an extended licence of three years Judge Clement Goldstone, QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, said: “You clearly planned to commit it when you believed the takings would very likely be at their highest.

“You armed yourself with a potentially lethal knife and though there was no physical harm caused there was undoubtedly psychological harm.”

He told 50-year-old Fleming that he poses a risk of danger and will have to serve at least two thirds of the prison term.

Chris Hopkins, prosecuting, said that Fleming, who pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possessing a bladed article, went into a newsagents in Haverty Precinct in Newton-le-Willows on January 17 this year.

He produced a knife with an eight inch blade and went round the back of the counter and held the weapon to the face of the terrified shopkeeper Ravi Kumar demanding money.

Fleming snatched some notes from the till but when Mr Kumar, who feared he was going to be stabbed, bravely threw a bottle at him.