Armed Robbers Googled Jail Time – Now They’re Behind Bars for Nine Years!
Robert Sifile, 22, and his sidekick Thomas Jackson, 21, have finally learned the hard way what armed robbery means – nine years in prison each. The desperate duo targeted a Fleet shop, then searched online the very next day to find out their likely sentence. Now the judges at Winchester Crown Court have handed down their punishment.
Masked Thugs Terrorise Shop Staff with Gun and Machete
The terrifying raid unfolded at the Nisa Local store in Church Crookham on November 28. CCTV footage showed the two hooded criminals storming in at 5.10pm. Sifile pulled a handgun and pressed it to the stunned cashier’s head while Jackson battered him several times on the back with a curved machete.
The terrified cashier was forced to open the till. Jackson grabbed over £560 in cash before fleeing in frustration when they couldn’t open a second till.
Fast Arrest and Evidence Haul
Police arrived swiftly and tracked down the pair two days later. The gun and machete were found in their getaway car. Even more damning was Sifile’s phone, which revealed a chilling video of him brandishing the gun hours before the robbery – dressed in the exact same gear. He also googled “sentencing for armed robbery” the day after the offence.
Sifile pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm, robbery, and possession of an imitation firearm and offensive weapon. Jackson admitted robbery and possession charges too.
Community Reassured as Crooks Locked Up
Detective Constable Matt Dennis said:
“This was a fast-paced investigation into what was a frightening ordeal for the cashier. These two were armed with weapons that could have caused fatal injuries. Fortunately, they are now off our streets. They no longer need to use Google to find out their jail time.”
He added the swift action sends a message to anyone threatening the local community: justice will catch you fast.
