'Dangerous knife-wielding robber' from Nottingham jailed
He threatened a shop assistant with a large knife
A man police are describing as a 'dangerous knife wielding robber' has been jailed for attacking a shop assistant in an attempt to rob a betting shop in Nottingham.
Leslie Byran, of Booth Close, Nottingham waited until the staff member at a betting shop on Alfreton Road was unlocking, before he struck her.
The 65-year-old forced her to the counter while brandishing a large knife.
He then filled a bag with £300 from the till and fled the scene.
Two days earlier, Bryan had attempted to rob another bookmakers, in South Parade, Nottingham, but fled empty handed after the manager pressed a panic alarm.
went on to plead guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.
At Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (4 August) Bryan was handed an extended jail sentence totalling 15-and-a-half years.
Detective Constable Rebecca Brailsford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“The judge branded Leslie Bryan as a dangerous man who poses a risk to the wider public, so I’m pleased he is now behind bars for an extended period.
“During these two incidents, within days of each other, he subjected both shop workers to frightening ordeals.
“The female shop assistant was arriving at work to open up when she was barged into a dark, unlit shop, punched and threatened by a man wielding a knife.
“She was very visibly distressed when police arrived at the scene and feared she was going to be stabbed.
“I hope the thorough investigation by officers and the sentence handed down to Bryan helps both victims recover and move on.”