Nottinghamshire shop keeper recognised robber two days after raid on shop

The owner recognised the offender two days later as a returning customer and rang the police.

Adrian Fowler of The Croft, Worksop appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on March 9 for attempt robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and being in possession with a bladed article in a public place.

On 12 July 2019, Fowler entered the B Mart Xpress store on Sandy Lane in Worksop armed with a metal bar and a knife.

He forced his way behind the counter, pointing weapons at the shopkeeper and shouted to him to give him the money from the till.

Fowler then started a countdown, before the shopkeeper pressed the panic alarm and wrestled the offender.

The owner's wife walked in as her husband shouted to call the police, which made Fowler run away dropping the bar when exiting.

The shopkeeper gave chase, but Fowler went out of sight. He left without stealing anything, but the shopkeeper believed he recognised the offender as a former customer who lived in the area.

Fowler matched the description and the CCTV footage shows that he is still wearing the similar trainers at the scene of the crime and he was arrested.

This week he was given an 18-months prison sentence, suspended for 18-months. He also had to pay £149 compensation to the victim.

Detective Constable Ben Grainger who led the investigation said: "We'd like to praise the shop keeper who was incredibly brave during the incident and throughout the court proceeding."