Torquay man jailed for knifepoint shop robbery

A Torquay man has been sentenced to four years in prison for raiding a shop at knifepoint.

Ben Fone, 36, of no fixed abode, Torquay, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 28 August after pleading guilty to robbery and possession of a knife.

The court heard how shortly before 3pm on 17 October 2024 police received a 999 call from an employee at a Post Office and convenience store on Union Street in Torquay.

It was reported a male suspect entered the store and approached the counter, demanding the employee open the till and give him cash.

The suspect, soon identified as Fone, then produced a small kitchen knife and pointed it towards the employee reiterating his demand.

Fone then forced his way into the employee area and demanded the employee open the cash drawer. When she did so he grabbed notes worth £2,305 before running from the shop, mounting a push bike and leaving the scene.

CCTV images and footage were obtained and the suspect identified as Fone. He was then traced and arrested.

In interview, Fone denied the robbery and making threats, saying the figure on CCTV wasn’t him.

Officer in the case, DC Jake Woodbridge said: “Ben Fone showed no regard whatsoever for the welfare of employee who was simply doing her job.

“This was no doubt a terrifying incident for her and one which will continue to affect her.

“We welcome the sentence given by the court which ensures that Ben Fone has been taken off the streets, and Torquay is a safer place as a result.”

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