Knife-Wielding Robber Caught After Holding Up Lloyds Bank Staff
Roy Sinclair, 43, threatened a High Street worker with a knife before helping himself to cash from a till in February 2022. The Sydenham man later handed himself in to Kent Police and admitted robbery and carrying an offensive weapon in public.
Armed Robbery at Lloyds Bank
On Friday 4 February, Sinclair casually wandered around the Lloyds Bank branch at around 3pm. When a cashier offered help, Sinclair suddenly lunged behind the counter, brandished a knife, and pressed it close to the worker’s body.
“No alarms or I’ll kill you,” he warned coldly, demanding money. The terrified cashier opened the till, and Sinclair grabbed the cash – consisting of discontinued £20 notes – before fleeing on foot.
Surrender and Evidence
Two days later, Sinclair called Kent Police to confess. Officers arrested him immediately, and he has been on remand since. At arrest, he wore the same hooded jumper spotted during the robbery. Investigators also found the green jogging bottoms Sinclair wore during the heist at his home.
Judge Sends Sinclair Down with Extended Licence
Sinclair faced Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 25 April and was sentenced to prison. Upon release, he will serve a two-year extended licence period.
Police React to Dangerous Offender
Police Constable Emma Laimbeer, lead investigator, said: “The victim genuinely feared for their life. Securing justice was our priority.”
“Sinclair’s admission does not undo the damage caused. A custodial sentence was the only appropriate response.”
“We show zero tolerance for anyone who chooses violence against innocent people.”
