Masked Men Armed with Fake Gun Rob Worthing News Shop
Two thugs pulled a silver imitation revolver on shop staff at Worthing News on Rowlands Road at 4.30pm last Thursday (3 December). They demanded cash and forced workers to hand over around £400 from the till.
Victim Assaulted During Shocking Hold-up
One employee was dragged to the back of the shop and ordered to open the safe – but it was empty. The crooks hit him over the head with the fake gun, leaving him with minor injuries.
Before fleeing, the pair also grabbed four bottles of vodka.
Speedy Justice as Crooks Get Jail Time
Cops used CCTV and intelligence to hunt down Dale Benjamin Searle, 32, and Danny Lee Cobbold, 32. Both were living rough at the time and got arrested for robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.
The duo pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (19 February). Searle bagged five years inside, while Cobbold will serve five years and four months.
DS Andrew Ricks slammed the “appalling crime,” saying: “Searle and Cobbold caused significant distress to their victims. We will absolutely not tolerate this kind of violence and intimidation.”
“The investigation moved at a fast pace and we are pleased the defendants have now been brought to justice. Our priority is keeping local communities safe every day.”
