Armed Thief Fails to Steal Cash from Brave Post Office Staff
Two fearless post office workers fought off an armed robber – leaving him with nothing but bruises. Michael Gibson, 39, burst into a Newcastle Post Office wielding a hammer last October, demanding cash. But staff refused to hand over a penny.
Staff Wrestle Hammer-Wielding Robber
At Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed how Gibson threatened workers Avril Smith and Shelley Hogg at the Lemington branch. The mother-of-two Avril recalled the terrifying moment.
“He came to my counter and said ‘give me your money’ and I just said ‘you’re funny aren’t you’. Then he pulled out a hammer and I knew he wasn’t joking.”
“Me and Shelley punched and kicked him, trying to stop him getting behind the counter. We just kept fighting and eventually he ran off empty handed – all he got were bruises!”
Avril added, “At the time, we were furious. We weren’t going to let him have any money. It was scary, but seeing him jailed makes me feel better. The police were brilliant from the start.”
Robber Jailed After Staff’s Bravery
Detective Constable Gareth Welsh praised the women’s courage. He said:
“This was a brazen attempt to rob the Post Office, terrifying for staff and customers. Gibson threatened with a hammer and tried multiple times to grab the till.
“But Avril and Shelley stood their ground, pushed him away and refused to give in. Their bravery helped us put an armed robber behind bars.”
Gibson, from Sandyford, was sentenced to 32 months in prison and ordered to pay a £190 victim surcharge.
