A raider who threatened staff at two petrol stations in North Yorkshire has been jailed.
Roy Holmes, who’s 58, escaped with cash and cigarettes worth hundreds of pounds after waving a lock-knife at workers in two filling stations.
The first incident at was at the Asda Express on Wetherby Road in Knaresborough.
A few weeks later he struck at Woodlands Service Station on Wetherby Road, Harrogate.
Holmes filled his car, which was on false numberplates, with fuel.
He then went into the shop and filled a bag with cigarettes as he held staff at knifepoint.
As he made his getaway, the car was stopped by North Yorkshire Police officers who had traced it to the outskirts of Bradford.
They searched the vehicle and found the stolen items, a knife and fake numberplates.
Holmes was arrested, charged with robbery and remanded in custody.
At York Crown Court today (Wednesday) he pleaded guilty to both raids and another raid on a Co-op in Keighley.
He was sentenced to six years in prison.
Speaking afterwards, Police Investigator David Carter said: “During his interview Holmes refused to speak – he showed no accountability and no remorse to his victims, whose courage I would like to acknowledge today.
“This was a joint effort by two CID teams who worked relentlessly to secure today’s conviction.
“While crimes like this are thankfully rare in North Yorkshire, they are very frightening for victims so I’m glad justice has been served and Holmes is behind bars.”