Cashpoint thief gets 15-month jail term

A mugger who struck twice in the space of a fortnight at cashpoints in a Staffordshire town has been handed a 15 month jail term.

Drug addict Hassan Shaw robbed the victims as they were withdrawing money from the machine, Stafford Crown Court heard. The first offence took place on February 16 at the

Nationwide cashpoint in Market Square, Rugeley, when Bryan Rogers was withdrawing £30. As the money was dispensed, Shaw pushed him out of the way, grabbed the cash and ran off, said Mr Pat Sullivan, prosecuting.

Two weeks later, around the same time of day, Ian Peberdy was withdrawing £150 from Barclays in Brook Square, Rugeley..

This time, Shaw had masked his face with a scarf and pushed the victim from behind.

As he stumbled, Shaw grabbed the cash and ran. He was chased by Mr Peberdy, but gave him the slip.

Shaw, aged 21, of Horsefair, Rugeley, admitted two charges of robbery.

Judge John Wait told him: "On February 16 you were out looking for money to feed your drug habit. I'll accept the idea to rob only came to you when you saw someone withdrawing money from a cashpoint

" You got away with it and two weeks later you then planned a further offence. The fact you were wearing a disguise aggravates that offence."

Mr Sullivan said Shaw was caught after a policeman recognised him from CCTV footage from the Market Square mugging. Distinctive clothing worn by the offender was found at the defendant's home.

Mr Mark Sheppard, defending, said Shaw had gone out to find money to fund his drug habit. "The use of force in respect of both offences was minimal."