A man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after he was convicted of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place in Milton Keynes.
A Thames Valley Police investigation into the robbery, which took place at MK Food & Wine in Windsor Street, Milton Keynes, led to the conviction and sentence of Lee Mellinger, aged 25, of Lamberts Croft, Greenleys, Milton Keynes.
He was sentenced to eight and a half years’ imprisonment at Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday (17/2) after he pleaded guilty to the offences.
It was just before 9am on 7 October last year when Mellinger entered the MK Food & Wine store.
He approached the counter and produced a knife, threatening a staff member and demanding money.
He told the victim, a woman aged in her fifties, that if she called the police, he would return to the shop.
Bravely, the victim refused to heed to Mellinger’s demands and told him to leave, but Mellinger went to the back of the till, still wielding his knife, and eventually got away with £20 before fleeing.
He was arrested by police on 25 October, charged the same day and remanded into custody.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Seb Kuzoe, of the Milton Keynes Priority Crime Team, said: “This case shows Thames Valley Police’s no nonsense approach to violent crime and knife related offences.
“This must have been a hugely frightening ordeal for the victim, who showed tremendous courage in refusing to hand over money to Mellinger.
“Although he did eventually get away with £20, the actions of the staff member, and her support of our investigation, has ensured a dangerous man is behind bars.
“Mellinger has a long time to reflect on his actions, and I would like to reassure communities that Thames Valley Police will always look to protect our communities and keep people safe, bringing offenders to justice.”
