A MAN has been jailed for more than six years after he and a knife-wielding man police are trying to identify attempted to steal cash from a post office in Congresbury.
John Watkins, of no fixed address, and a knife-wielding unidentified man demanded post office staff hand over cash on January 25, but left empty-handed after a member of the public disturbed them.
An employee suffered minor injuries following the incident, but police say it has left a “significant effect” on their mental health, which they spoke about in a victim personal statement read out in court.
Watkins was identified in August following detailed forensic, CCTV and witness enquiries and then arrested and charged.
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He initially pleaded not guilty to robbery but changed his plea when he appeared in court in November. The judge sentenced him to six years and four months in prison on Wednesday, December 4.
DC Shifa Scott, the investigating officer, said: “The two men used a large kitchen knife to intimidate the sub postmaster in what must have been a terrifying ordeal.
Police are appealing for information about the unidentified man Picture: Avon and Somerset Police
“Thankfully, they were disturbed by members of the public and made off without managing to take any cash.
“We have worked hard to secure enough evidence to charge Watkins with robbery, resulting in him pleading guilty at court.
“I am grateful to the Congresbury community for the support they have shown the victim throughout the investigation.
“Enquiries are still ongoing to identify and bring the second offender to justice. If you have any information which may aid the investigation, please contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 or make a report on the police website using reference number 5224020897.
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