Essex Man Jailed for Armed Robberies at Wisbech Betfred Shops
John Penhaligon, 49, from Essex, has been sentenced to five years in jail after terrorising two Betfred branches in Wisbech with a knife. The spree happened over just a few days in September, leaving staff shaken and cash stolen.
Knife-Wielding Robber Targets Two Betfred Stores
- On 10 September, Penhaligon hit the High Street Betfred, brandishing a knife and demanding money.
- He warned staff not to press panic alarms before calmly grabbing around £200 and leaving.
- The very next day, he returned to a Horsefair Betfred with another man.
- This time, he waved a knife under a Covid screen and demanded cash.
- With no money in the till, he forced staff to open a second machine holding £5 notes, snatching about £85.
- When asked why he was robbing the shop, Penhaligon bluntly said: “because I am skint mate.”
Friend Betrayed and Stolen From Before Arrest
Before heading back to his home in River View, Grays, on 13 September, Penhaligon also stole from the friend he was staying with in Wisbech. He took a Samsung Galaxy phone, £230 cash, and a pair of blue Adidas trainers.
His victim reported the theft and raised alarm over Penhaligon’s suspicious behaviour during his stay.
Admits Charges, Police Welcome Sentence
When arrested, Penhaligon initially denied all offences, including robbery and theft from his host. He even claimed he hadn’t seen his friend “for years.”
He soon changed tune and pleaded guilty to:
- Two counts of robbery
- Two counts of possessing a knife in public
- One count of theft
On 6 November, Peterborough Crown Court jailed him for five years.
DC Natalie Hines said: “Penhaligon clearly thought nothing of the trauma he was inflicting on the people he threatened and callously took advantage of someone who was supposed to be his friend. Being short of money is absolutely no excuse for behaviour like this and I am pleased that justice has been done.”
