Wrexham man jailed for shop raid with fake shotgun

A Wrexham man has been sentenced to over four years in prison after threatening shop staff with what appeared to be a shotgun during a botched robbery attempt. 🚔

Kieron Harris, 33, of Grosvenor Road, appeared at Mold Crown Court via video link from HMP Berwyn after previously admitting to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

The court heard that on February 13, Harris entered the AM/PM shop in Brynteg wearing a balaclava and hood. He placed a carrier bag on the counter and demanded: “Empty your f****** till. Is your life even worth £11 an hour? I have a shotgun. I’ll blow your f****** head off.”

Harris held another bag wrapped around an object resembling a gun, causing immediate fear among staff.

Store assistant Lisa Jones managed to press the panic button after telling Harris she couldn’t open the till without scanning something first. As alarms sounded, Harris shouted “s***houses” at the staff before fleeing the scene.

Judge Simon Mills praised Ms Jones for showing “considerable courage and presence of mind” during the terrifying ordeal.

In her victim statement, Ms Jones revealed she has been diagnosed with PTSD following the incident, saying: “I thought I was going to die. I really hope one day I am able to recover, but at this moment, I’m struggling to find a way forward.”

Her colleague Amanda Claire Roberts also suffered significant distress, experiencing flashbacks and feeling “jumpy” after the incident. The court heard Ms Roberts was particularly vulnerable having suffered a heart attack six years ago.

Despite having only one previous conviction for obstructing police, Harris told probation he “didn’t regret” his behaviour and would “act in this way again despite knowing the consequences.”

Defence lawyer Michael Whitty explained Harris had experienced “acute” mental health difficulties and was struggling with unsuitable accommodation at the time of the offence. The court also heard Harris had developed a £350-a-week cocaine habit.

Judge Mills told Harris: “The harm you have committed is dreadful.”

The defendant was sentenced to four years and four months in prison and received a 10-year restraining order prohibiting him from entering the AM/PM store. ⚖️