McRobber jailed for knife attacks

9:10am Friday 4th July 2008

A gambling addict has been jailed for three years for a string of crimes including an armed robbery at McDonald's restaurant in Borehamwood.

William Mears, 19, of Fitzroy Street, in the West End, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Monday after admitting a series of armed and attempted robberies in Hertfordshire and Essex.

Mears appeared at the court via video link from Woodhill Prison, in Milton Keynes. The court heard how he raided shops, a petrol station and McDonald's in Shenley Road to feed his gambling addiction.

Prosecutor Heather Shimmen told the court Mears had gone into McDonald's at 10.40pm, carrying a knife and said to the manager, Moin Qureshi, "Give us your money or I will chop your hands off". After Mr Qureshi handed over money, Mears demanded more from a second till. He finally left with about £200.

Originally from Exeter, and a student at the London School of Economics, Mears pleaded guilty to robbing Mr Qureshi on May 29 and a Co-operative store in Hatfield on June 2.

Mears also admitted to further offences including an attempted robbery at the Radlett branch of Tesco Express, in Watling Street, on May 29, and driving off without paying for petrol at the Clarendon Service Station, in Elstree Way, on May 24.

Miss Shimmen said the robberies and attempted robberies were all of small convenience stores and involved him walking in with a knife, wearing a balaclava. If the victim refused to hand over money, Mears would walk out, she said.

During a police interview, Mears had said he needed the money to feed his gambling addiction, the court was told.

Defence barrister Philip Wakeham said Mears was of previous good character, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and co-operated with police.

He said: "It is a tragedy that once he tasted the fruits of gambling he couldn't leave them alone. Quite why this happened we can only speculate. He hates the idea of what he has done."

Mears sobbed as Judge John Plumstead jailed him. The judge said: "He has caused a great deal of unhappiness and distress. I heartily recommend that when he is released on licence, those supervising him bear in mind his gambling addiction and steer him towards treatment. He is a decent, civilised young man who has made a very bad set of choices."

Speaking after the sentencing, Mr Qureshi said: "I am glad he has been jailed because he should have been punished. When it happened, I couldn't believe I was being robbed. I was so scared I let him take everything."

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "This was a targeted series of robberies that put members of the public and shop and restaurant workers in fear, and we are pleased this person has been brought to justice."

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