Croydon Robber Busted After Shocking Repeat Offence
Mark Evans, 38, from Frederick Gardens, Croydon, has been locked up for three years and four months after a daring robbery gone wrong. He also faces an extended licence period of three years after his release.
Bottle-Wielding Bandit Threatens Shop Staff
The drama unfolded at Redhill Food and Wine in Horley on the evening of Sunday 6 December. At 8.55pm, Evans stormed into the shop, grabbed a glass beer bottle, and waved it threateningly at the shop worker. He demanded, “Empty the till.”
A heroic customer stepped in to protect the worker. In response, Evans smashed the bottle on the counter and threatened the well-meaning intervener with jagged shards.
The pair briefly grappled before Evans fled the scene. The shaken shop worker immediately called the police.
Quick-Thinking Police Nab Armed Suspect Nearby
Officers swiftly tracked Evans to Tolgate Avenue, where he was found matching the suspect description. Notably, he had hand injuries consistent with broken glass, linking him to the smashed bottle.
Evans was arrested and charged with attempted robbery, affray, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Repeat Offender Back Behind Bars
This wasn’t Evans’ first brush with the law. He had been released on licence just three weeks earlier after serving time for a near-identical robbery – also in a shop on the same road – committed in 2016.
Detective Constable Steven Cassidy slammed Evans’ actions: “This sentence reflects the seriousness of these offences and shows violent, threatening behaviour won’t be tolerated in our communities.”
“I’d like to thank the victims for their bravery in standing up to Evans and for quick police contact.”
“Evans clearly learned nothing from his previous sentence. Committing a carbon copy offence so soon means more victims suffered trauma.”
“This sentence will give him more time to think and hopefully learn his lesson.”
