Knife-Wielding Twydall Robber Gets Eight Years After Staff Recognise Him
A brazen knife robber has been locked up for eight years after staff caught him red-handed thanks to his voice and build. Danny Martin, 34, struck twice at local shops near his home in Twydall, but his regular visits were his undoing.
Masked Raider Snatches £1,000 From Twydall Co-op
On 9 November 2018, Martin stormed into the Co-op in Twydall Green wearing a mask and wielding a craft knife. He jumped onto the counter and demanded cash. Staff handed over about £1,000 and some cigarettes before he fled.
But workers quickly recognised Martin’s voice and build – he was a regular customer. Investigators even picked up a footwear mark he left behind on the counter.
Second Attempt Foiled by Brave Member of the Public
Just days later, on 13 November, Martin tried again at a shop on Delce Road, Rochester. This time, armed with a large knife, he demanded money into a plastic bag.
As he jumped on the counter, a quick-thinking passerby grabbed him, tearing his jacket and forcing him to flee empty-handed, dropping the bag and his baseball cap in the chaos.
Forensic Evidence Cracks Case
Fingerprint analysis on the dropped bag sealed Martin’s fate. Police arrested him and found the torn jacket and trainers matching the footwear marks from the first scene.
Martin pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on 10 September 2019 and was sentenced on 28 October to eight years behind bars.
Detective Constable Daniel Bister said: “These were violent robberies targeting local businesses. Martin showed no regard for staff and miscalculated by hitting shops he regularly visited. A brave member of the public’s intervention and witness help were key in bringing him to justice.”
