Northampton store robber jailed for two years and six months

A man who threatened a shop worker with a knife in order to steal £50 has been jailed for 30 months.

On August 23, 2021, a masked man walked into a convenience store in St Andrew’s Road, Northampton, and told a store worker to give him £50 while holding a knife, before punching him then taking the money and fleeing.

Northamptonshire Police’s CID West team launched an investigation which led to the identification of Frankie Burke, aged 28, as the offender.

He was charged with robbery and the case was sent for crown court trial, which went ahead in September this year and ended with Burke being found guilty by the jury.

Burke, of St Andrew’s Road, Northampton, appeared at Northampton Crown Court for sentence on November 4, where he was jailed for two and a half years.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer PC Michaela Brindle, said: “As a regular customer at this shop, Frankie Burke was recognised despite his face covering.

“The victim described how he at first thought Burke’s demand for cash was a joke, only to realise how dangerous the situation was when Burke showed him the knife he was carrying.

“We are dedicated to tackling both serious violence and retail crime, and I’m pleased the impact of what Burke chose to do that day was recognised with a custodial sentence.”