A 42-year-old Southampton man has been jailed for four years and seven months after threatening staff with a folding saw during two robberies in Romsey, Hampshire, in the space of just 15 minutes.
Clive Inch, of Newcombe Road, Southampton, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Monday 2 November, having pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, possession of a bladed article and threatening someone with a bladed article.
The court heard that the incidents took place on Sunday 21 June, beginning at the Co-op in The Hundred, Romsey.
Staff had asked Inch to leave the shop when he pulled a folding saw from his trouser pocket and demanded money from the till.
The saw had a 17-centimetre blade.
Inch continued threatening staff while taking handfuls of banknotes from the till, stealing a total of £250.
He then walked to The Phoenix pub, where he again produced the saw and demanded money and cigarettes.
During the incident, Inch threatened a man in his 40s, telling him he would stab and kill him.
A short time later, police received reports of another robbery at The Exchange pub.
Staff told officers that Inch had entered the premises holding a small saw and demanded they open the till and hand over money.
He escaped with approximately £80.
Inch then entered The Cocky Anchor in Market Place, where he told staff he had just committed an armed robbery at the Co-op.
As he left the pub, he was confronted by police officers and arrested.
All the incidents took place within approximately 15 minutes.
At Southampton Crown Court, Inch was sentenced to a total of four years and seven months in prison.
The court heard that the offences had been committed while he was serving a suspended sentence.
Detective Constable Graeme Deeley, who investigated the case, said: "This was a frightening incident for all involved.
"People should be able to do their job, and drink in a pub, without being in fear of being attacked.
"Inch’s actions on this day have had lasting impacts on those he threatened and those who witnessed his behaviour.
"I am pleased with the result and hope this goes some way to reassure you that we will take action and bring offenders to justice."
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