Bungling Co-op robber who left his provisional driving licence at the crime scene after threatening staff and making off with £120 is jailed for six years

  • Customer tried to restrain thief who made off with bundles of £5 and £10 notes 

By GEORGE IDDENDEN

Published: | Updated:

A robber who left his provisional driving licence at the scene of the crime has been jailed for six years.

Patrick Muddiman, 38, threatened staff at the Co-op shop on High Street, Brampton, before demanding cash on March 3, Cambridgeshire Police said.

He was given approximately £120 in £5 and £10 notes while also demanding a packet of cigarettes after staff told him the £20 notes were kept elsewhere and that they did not have access to them. 

Muddiman was restrained by a customer, however he managed to break free, punching a second shopper who had stepped in to help, before escaping. 

The thief accidentally left a black wallet containing his driving licence at the scene, which led to his arrest.

CCTV footage showing Muddiman at the scene of the crime

CCTV footage showing Muddiman at the scene of the crime

Patrick Muddiman's provisional driving licence, which eventually led to his arrest hours later

Patrick Muddiman's provisional driving licence, which eventually led to his arrest hours later

The wallet that was left accidentally by Muddiman outside the Co-op

The wallet that was left accidentally by Muddiman outside the Co-op

He gave no comment when police later arrested him, but later admitted to charges of robbery and assault by beating.

Muddiman was sentenced to six years in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday, with a further three years on licence, police said.

The defendant has 24 previous convictions for 36 offences including theft, violence and other robberies.

Damage to the shop and the theft of cash amounted to between £400 to £500, but the retailer also lost approximately £7,000 in business after closing for a day, police revealed. 

Detective Constable Sarah Longbottom, who investigated the robbery, said: “This was an incredibly frightening incident for both customers and staff who were in the shop at the time and genuinely feared for their safety.

“I’d like to thank the brave shop customers who tried to help on the day - and was pleased to see the judge award the man who helped restrain Muddiman with a commendation.

“Muddiman was linked to the crime by shop CCTV and witnesses who identified him from his driving licence - a key part of evidence which he left behind.”

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