Knife-Wielding Thug Snapped Up After Supermarket Robbery
Daniel Flanagan, from Rivenmill Way, caused chaos at a busy supermarket on Derby Road on the night of Monday 23 November. At around 8.15pm, he threatened a cashier with a bread knife, demanding cash from the till.
Flanagan pulled the bread knife from his pocket and forced the manager to hand over money. Finding no cash in the second till, he fled on foot – but his getaway was short-lived.
Quick-Thinking Shopper Helps Nab Armed Robber
A member of the public, shopping at the time, gave vital directions that helped police track Flanagan down on nearby Mill Lane moments later. Officers caught him red-handed with the stolen cash and a stash of cannabis.
Flanagan calmly told the cops: “Fair enough, you caught me.”
In custody, he confessed not only to the robbery but also to carrying a hammer and a mallet, hidden apart from the knife. He admitted being “pretty drunk” during the robbery and said he committed the crime to pay off debts linked to his cocaine addiction. He had also lost his job earlier that month, making matters worse.
Jailed for Nearly Three Years
Flanagan faced Liverpool Crown Court on 26 February, pleading guilty to robbery, possession of a knife in public, and possession of a class B drug (cannabis). He was sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars.
Detective Constable Kerif Smythe, leading the investigation, slammed Flanagan’s actions:
“He may have been desperate for money due to addiction, but that doesn’t excuse terrifying customers and staff. I hope the jail time gives them some closure and deters others.”
Chief Inspector Sarah Heath, Cheshire’s knife crime lead, promised a tough stance on knife-related offences, urging the public to help police by reporting anyone carrying weapons.
David Keane, Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner, also praised the police and public for their role in putting Flanagan behind bars.
