Man jailed after bungled armed raid at Coventry newsagents

[dutchman]

A man who lost his business and his wife in a matter of months has been jailed for a bungled robbery at a Coventry newsagents.


Makhan 'Billy' Singh with his daughter-in-law Sandeep

In September Simon Woodhouse, of Frankwell Drive, Potters Green, attempted an armed robbery at Wallace News in Wallace Road, Keresley.

But his plan went horribly wrong when shop worker Makhan Singh, aged 55, distracted him and grabbed the knife before pushing him to the ground and calling the police.

CCTV of the incident was played at Coventry Crown Court after Woodhouse pleaded guilty to one count of attempted robbery and one count of possession of an article with a blade.

The court heard Woodhouse, 38, had become addicted to drugs and alcohol and was suffering from depression since he lost his successful business four years ago, became bankrupt and his wife left him.

Commending the bravery of Mr Singh and a customer who grabbed Woodhouse, prosecuting lawyer Andrew Tucker, said: “The defendant went into the shop around 7am having spent the previous evening hard drinking on top of medication. He returned an hour later, hooded and with a five inch kitchen knife.

“He went behind the counter and held the knife to Mr Singh’s demanding money. Mr Singh’s niece, who saw something was wrong, tapped Woodhouse on the shoulder. He became distracted and Mr Singh grabbed the knife.

“A passer-by then came to their aid and helped in detaining Woodhouse while the police were called.”

Defending, Joe Lewis, said Woodhouse – a former soldier – was so ashamed by his actions he had asked his parents and former employees at court to stay outside of the courtroom.

He said: “A robbery of a shop of this nature has some planning to it and Woodhouse had been staying with a friend close to Wallace Road, using the shop on a number of occasions.

“He has tried to control his cocaine addiction but has been on a spiral downwards and has been finding it very difficult

“His family are ashamed of him but have promised to support him on his release. He is truly ashamed of his actions and thankfully nobody was seriously injured. ”

Sentencing Woodhouse to four years in prison, Judge Richard Griffith-Jones, said: “It is a real tragedy to see such a respectable man in the position you are in.

“You will understand how important it is for the courts to do all they can to protect people in small shops, providing such a valuable service.”

Judge Griffith-Jones also paid tribute to Darren Ferguson, 26, the customer who intervened and offered him a £350 reward from the Sheriff’s Fund.

[dutchman]

'Got what he deserved'

FOLLOWING the sentencing the owner of Wallace News, Hardeep Singh, said he hoped Woodhouse had learned his lesson.

Mr Singh, son of Makhan Singh – also known as Billy – said: "Woodhouse has got what he deserves really.

"No sentence is long enough for a person like that who has tried to kill someone, but I hope this has taught him a lesson.

"I just hope he doesn’t think of doing something like this again."

Mr Singh, aged 30, said his dad had just been helping him on September 23 like any normal day.

He added: "My dad had just been helping me out on the day when Woodhouse came in.

"When the guy approached him he is just that kind of person who would fight for what is his and he doesn’t take any rubbish of anyone so I expected him to react how he did.

"When you are in that kind of situation you can’t imagine what was going through his head at the time but he has carried on coming to work as normal."