Knife-Wielding Thug Gets 8 Years for Armed Robbery in Sutton-in-Ashfield
Blade Threat at Local Store
Mark Kavanagh, 36, went berserk at a High Street shop in Stanton Hill, near Sutton-in-Ashfield. He flashed a knife at staff, demanding cash from the till.
Kavanagh stormed the shop with his dog at 8.30pm on 23 November 2022 but snapped when told dogs weren’t allowed inside. He grabbed booze from the fridge and threatened staff with a blade.
Flees After Robbery, Caught by Police
After snatching cash and alcohol, Kavanagh fled. But police acted fast. Thanks to house-to-house checks and CCTV, officers tracked him down the very next evening.
They found the clothes he wore during the raid and a knife hidden at his home on Brand Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Justice Served at Nottingham Crown Court
Kavanagh was sentenced to 8 years and 4 months behind bars—half of which he will serve in prison and four years on licence.
He was convicted of robbery and possessing a knife in public.
Detective Sergeant Matt Dumbrell of Nottinghamshire Police said: “This must have been a very frightening ordeal for the shop staff and no one should have to face such violent, threatening behaviour while earning a living.
“Thankfully officers were able to catch up with Kavanagh quickly and I hope this reassures the community that we take this sort of incident extremely seriously.
“We know the impact it must have had on the victims and I am grateful for their help with the investigation.
“Nottinghamshire Police simply won’t tolerate this kind of violence and – as this case shows – will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”
