A 25-year-old man has been jailed for robbing a newsagent in Slough and for breaking into a house in Bracknell and stealing a car.
Dale Skinner, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to six years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Friday (19/6).
At an earlier hearing, Skinner pleaded guilty to carrying out the robbery at Shanrose newsagents in Wexham, Slough.
At approximately 3.45pm on 8 November last year, Skinner and an accomplice entered the Slough store wearing balaclavas. They were asked what they wanted by members of staff and replied ‘I want to take the cash from the till’. One of the men confronted a female member of staff, holding a knife towards her chest. The man then pushed her, causing her to fall backwards, hitting her head on a cupboard as she fell. While this was going on, a second member of staff was pushed to the ground by the second offender who stood over him.
Both men then left the store with a sum of money and cigarettes.
Following inquiries, including the review of CCTV footage, detectives arrested Skinner and another man in connection with the robbery. Skinner refused to go for interview and was interviewed within his cell, where he remained silent.
Both men were later charged with the Slough offence, although the charge was later dropped against Skinner’s accomplice, as there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
At the same time, Skinner was also charged with burglary following an incident at an address in Osborne Lane, Bracknell, which happened sometime between 9 and 10 November 2008.
During the burglary, a black Audi was stolen along with other valuables.
Skinner was charged with the offence after he was spotted driving the black Audi in Wentworth Avenue, Slough, on 10 November 2008.
Det Con Marc Skinner, investigating officer, said: “Skinner committed two serious offences, for which he tried to maintain his innocence for a considerable period of time.
“The fact that he later pleaded guilty to both offences just goes to show how strong the case against him was.
“I am pleased with the result. It sends out a clear message to criminals that these types of crimes, which often devastate the lives of victims, will not be tolerated.”
Thames Valley Police ~ Slough
