Hull Duo Held Up Scunthorpe Bank with Machete, Kidnapped Christmas Shoppers
Robbery and Kidnap Horror on Francis Street
Joshua Pougher, 31, of Hessle Road, Hull, and Daniel Nicklin, 31, of County Road North, Hull, pleaded guilty to robbery and two counts of kidnap. Pougher also admitted to possessing an offensive weapon.
The pair travelled from Hull to Scunthorpe on Wednesday 22 December 2021. At 4pm, they stormed a bank on Francis Street, brandishing a machete and threatening staff as they demanded cash.
Terrified Staff and Shoppers Held at Machete Point
While one employee managed to alert the emergency services, Pougher and Nicklin continued to intimidate others, ransacking tills for money. Their reign of terror didn’t end there.
On their escape, the two forced their way into a car occupied by a couple out Christmas shopping. Threatening the pair, they kidnapped them — forcing the couple to drive through busy traffic, cross the Humber Bridge, and head all the way back to Hull.
As the ordeal ended, the man was bitten during the attackers’ frantic getaway with the stolen cash.
Swift Arrest and Court Condemnation
Armed response officers arrested Pougher and Nicklin at 7pm that same evening. Both appeared for sentencing at Grimsby Magistrates Court on 29 October, where Judge McKone blasted them as “dangerous offenders” with “no thought” for their victims.
Police Praise Victims, Warn Community
Detective Constable Ian Mould said: “I would like to praise the courage of the victims in assisting with our enquiries.” “Nobody should feel unsafe at work, home or daily life — but these men showed zero care, driven only by greed and selfishness.” “This reckless attack highlights the need for swift action. Our Major Crime Team is committed to protecting communities and bringing offenders to justice.”
