[T]WO drug users who robbed a delivery driver at knifepoint in Wigton have each been jailed for six years.
Jason Pattinson, 30, and 31-year-old Damon Noble donned disguises and brandished blades outside the town’s Co-op in the early hours of June 8. They demanded cigarettes from driver Dale Cairnie who told them he was only carrying bread.
The court heard how the pair approached the delivery driver whilst he was making a delivery to the Co-op in Redmayne Close, Wigton, at around 4.15am on 8 June, 2017.
One of the men was holding a knife as they approached the delivery driver and demanded cigarettes from the van.
The driver refused to co-operate with their demands, grabbing a metal bar which he uses as part of his job, to defend himself.
One of the robbers lunged with the knife towards the delivery man, causing him to move backwards. They took this opportunity to grab a rucksack belonging to the driver and flee, pursued by the driver still carrying his metal bar.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Noble then lunged at Mr Cairnie with his knife, while Pattinson stole a bag – which contained £120 worth of property – from his vehicle.
As the pair fled, one was struck twice with a metal bar which the plucky victim had grabbed to protect himself. He was unhurt, but later told police he was shocked and had thought he was going to be stabbed.
In interview, Pattinson refused to answer any questions. Noble also gave “no comment” answers. However, he accepted that CCTV showed he was at the scene of the offence. Noble told detectives: “Obviously you’ve got me there.”
Detective Constable Calvin Greaves said: “Today’s sentence shows how seriously both the courts and the police take knife crime. Any time a crime is committed with the presence of a knife, there is the potential for tragic consequences.
“Noble and Pattinson showed they are dangerous individuals, not only through their decision to bring with them a knife but also in lunging towards the delivery driver with it.
“Thankfully, thanks in no small part to the bravery of the delivery driver, Noble and Pattinson have now been held accountable for their actions.”
Pattinson, previously of Water Street, and Noble, of Meadow Road, both Wigton, each admitted charges of robbery and possessing kitchen knives. They were sentenced today (THURS) when Judge Peter Davies handed down the prison sentences.
Judge Davies praised Mr Cairnie’s bravery and courage during the incident, and recommended that he receive a £300 cash reward.
