Jail for Wigan knife threat shop robber

Damien Rutter, 42, of no fixed address, had already appeared before a Bolton Crown Court judge to plead guilty to robbing a staff member at the McColls branch in Marsh Green, of £18.50 worth of groceries in Wigan.

The hearing was told that at 6pm on June 29, Rutter selected four packs of fishcakes, one pack of steak, and a pack of chops in McColls on Marsh Green. The shop supervisor saw him do this and locked the door.

He said: “You had best open it: I’ve got a knife” and put his hand in his pocket.

“He then pushed the woman aside, opened the door and fled with the goods.

“He dropped them on the ground and when someone went to pick them up he said: “Leave it, I’ve got a knife, ” gathered up the goods and walked away.”

As well as the jail sentence, Rutter must also pay £190 towards victim services.