A 27 year-old man has been jailed after pleading guilty to attempting to rob a store with an imitation firearm
Gareth Troop, of Goldsmith Drive, has been sentenced to six years and four months for possession of imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and attempted robbery.
The court heard how, on 26 April 2023 at around 8.45pm, Troop entered the Premier shop on Doncaster Road, Rotherham equipped with an imitation firearm. Troop approached the victim at the counter and shouted at the shop worker demanding money whilst pulling out the imitation firearm from his waist band.
Troop then let himself behind the counter, where he hit the victim on the head causing minor injuries. The victim pushed Troop out from behind the counter and out the door. Troop then ran to an address nearby where he swapped his clothes in hopes on not getting caught.
Troop appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on 2 October where he pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced the same day.
Investigating Officer Police Constable Jemma King said: “We are extremely pleased with the time Troop has been put behind bars.
“The victim showed courage during the altercation, pushing Troop away from them without knowing if the firearm he had was real or not.
“I hope this serves as a warning to those who possess an imitation firearm and intend to use it to cause fear or violence, we will not stand these offences.”
