Man Jailed for 16 Years Over Armed Bank Robbery in Liphook
A 46-year-old man from Lindford has been sentenced to an impressive 16 and a half years behind bars. Jonathan Pay was locked up at Winchester Crown Court today (Wednesday, November 2) following a terrifying armed robbery attempt at Lloyds Bank in Liphook on May 16.
Armed Hold-up Ends in Violence and Escape
The drama unfolded just after 4pm when two men stormed into the bank, one wielding a knife, the other brandishing an air gun that was fired during the incident. Despite their threats, no cash was stolen as both suspects fled the scene.
A brave customer, a 50-year-old man from Headley Down, was caught in the chaos. He suffered a pellet wound from the air gun and a small stab injury before being rushed to Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford. Thankfully, he was later discharged.
Forensic Evidence Cracks the Case
“This sentence will provide some amount of closure to the injured man and his wife who were both in the bank that day,” said DC Kat Bird, the lead investigator.
Pay was caught after a fierce struggle when a customer tackled him, knocking his face clear and causing his sunglasses to fall off — a key piece of forensic evidence linking him to the crime. The victim’s wife also grabbed a bag containing gloves and a balaclava that Pay had forgotten to wear, further tying him to the offence.
Cold-Blooded & Callous: Judge Slams Violent Attempt
During the scuffle, an unidentified second man stabbed the customer in the abdomen before Pay fired the pellet gun. The victim still has a pellet lodged near a major nerve cluster at the base of his skull, too risky to remove due to potential paralysis.
The heroic couple have both been nominated for a Chief Constable’s bravery award for stepping up during the ordeal.
Winchester Crown Court was clear on the severity of the crime, with the judge branding Pay’s actions as “chilling and callous” and declaring him “dangerous”.
Hunt Continues for Second Attacker
Police are still searching for the unidentified accomplice. DC Bird urged anyone with information to come forward.
Contact: Call 101 quoting reference 44160184028.
