Armed robber jailed for four years

A man who carried out an armed robbery at a convenience store in Frodsham has been jailed.

Peter Lea appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 2nd May where he pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.

The 34-year-old, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay £228 victim surcharge.

The court heard how at around 4.50pm on Tuesday 18th March Lea entered the store on Main Street Frodsham armed with a knife.

Once inside he threatened the store worker and demanded that they handed over all the money from the till. He then fled the store with approximately £500.

Officers were deployed to the scene and Lea was subsequently identified as a suspect by CCTV images from the scene.

Following his arrest, Lea refused to answer any of the questions put to him by officers. Despite his silence, he was later charged in relation to the offence.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Stevie Jackson, said:

“This was a terrifying ordeal for all those involved, and I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Lea.

“He is a prolific offender and has showed absolutely no regard for the store worker, and no remorse for his actions.

“Thankfully, as a result of a thorough investigation, and the strength of evidence gathered against him, Lea was left with no option but to plead guilty.

“I hope that the outcome of this case demonstrates to local residents how seriously we treat robbery, and also acts as a warning to others who are intent on committing crime.”

Pictured and in the video - Peter Lea.