High Street Knife Robber Caught and Jailed
Roy Sinclair, 43, sparked terror at a Lloyds Bank in Sydenham when he threatened a cashier with a knife and ransacked the till in February 2022. The thug then casually walked off with cash made up of discontinued £20 notes.
Sinclair Hands Himself In
The criminal, from Otterden Street, turned himself over to Kent Police just two days later. He admitted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon in public. On Monday 25 April 2022, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced Sinclair, who will face a two-year extended licence once released from prison.
How the Robbery Unfolded
- Sinclair entered the bank at around 3pm on Friday 4 February.
- He wandered suspiciously before approaching the cashier.
- Out came the knife, held threateningly close to the victim’s body.
- He demanded cash, warning: “No alarms or I’ll kill you.”
- The terrified victim opened the till, and Sinclair helped himself before fleeing on foot.
Police quickly linked Sinclair to the crime after he called in to confess. A hooded jumper and green jogging bottoms matching those worn at the robbery were found at his home.
Police React to Dangerous Offender
“The victim had every good reason to believe their life was in danger,” said PC Emma Laimbeer, Kent Police’s lead investigator. “Sinclair’s admission does not undo the harm caused. This custodial sentence is the only fitting outcome. We will never tolerate violence against innocent people.”
