‘Lookout’ in armed raid at bakery is jailed

A 28-year-old Shropshire man who acted as the “lookout” during an armed robbery at a Telford bakery has been jailed for five years.

The raid, during which a knife was brandished, happened at Greggs bakery in Madeley on April 9, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.

Steven Baird, of Farm Close, Madeley, Telford, was sentenced yesterday.

The court heard he pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery on the basis that he did not threaten any staff in the shop, but that a second individual, who has not been traced, was the one armed with a knife.

Sentencing Baird, Judge Robert Trevor-Jones said: “As a result of your heroin addiction this is the second time you are before the court for robbery.”

He added that the two individuals had planned the offence and that Baird’s accomplice had had a knife, unknown to him.Mr Charles Hamer, prosecuting, said Baird was essentially the lookout and the other offender took £40 from the till.

He said they were seen running away. They were wearing balaclava-type masks with eyeholes, which they were seen to place in a bin. One of the offenders, Baird, was identified.

Mr Hamer said: “The defendant was arrested and interviewed and denied being involved in robbery at this shop in Madeley.”

But he added forensics found Baird’s DNA on the balaclava. He said Baird had a “substantial record” and had been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in 2003 for robbery.

He was released in February, just seven weeks before carrying out this offence.

Mr Daniel White, for Baird, said he deserved some credit for his guilty plea. He added Baird expressed his remorse to the courts and the three women in the bakery.