Liphook Bank Robber Jailed for 16½ Years After Violent Stick-Up
A 46-year-old man from Lindford has been locked up for sixteen and a half years after a violent attempted robbery at Lloyds Bank in Liphook.
Armed Duo Attempt Daring Bank Heist
On Monday, May 16, just after 4pm, two men stormed Lloyds Bank armed with a knife and an air gun. The air gun was discharged during the incident, but the pair fled empty-handed.
During the chaos, a 50-year-old customer from Headley Down was seriously hurt. He suffered a pellet wound to a major nerve cluster near his skull and a small stab wound before being rushed to Royal Surrey County Hospital. Thankfully, he was discharged later.
Key Suspect Caught and Sentenced
Jonathan Pay of Liphook Road, Lindford, was charged with:
- Two counts of attempted robbery
- Possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear
- Wounding with intent
Pay admitted all charges and was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on November 2.
The judge condemned his actions as “chilling and callous” and declared Pay “dangerous.”
Heroic Customer and Wife Nominated for Bravery Awards
During the robbery, a courageous customer tackled Pay, dislodging sunglasses that linked him to the crime. The customer’s wife grabbed a bag containing Pay’s gloves and balaclava—both items tied him to the scene.
A second, still unidentified, man stabbed the customer before Pay fired his air gun. The couple face undue trauma but have been nominated for a Chief Constable’s bravery award.
“This sentence will provide some closure to the injured man and his wife,” said Investigating Officer DC Kat Bird. “We’re continuing to hunt the second man. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 44160184028.”
