Raider caught after getaway car crashes in Telford
A man involved in two raids at takeaway restaurants was caught after his getaway car crashed, a court heard.
Gavin Lewis, 40, had been a passenger in the Vauxhall Astra which was spotted after an accident in Castlefields Way in Telford in February.
Lewis was jailed for 28 months at Shrewsbury Crown Court having admitted charges of theft and attempted theft.
Judge Jonathan Gosling said that Lewis and his accomplice had targeted the premises at night when they were most vulnerable. He said Lewis must have been a "terrifying sight" for the staff as he was masked and was a tall and powerful-looking individual.
Judge Gosling said the raids were planned and Lewis had taken pliers, was working in a team and had used disguises and the incidents were "not far short of robbery". The court heard that Lewis had stolen a touch-screen monitor from the counter of Pizza Hut in Telford on February 16.
Mr Tariq Shakoor, prosecuting, said the defendant was wearing a motor cycle helmet and dark glasses and had reached over, disconnected the wires and left the store.
Later the same evening Lewis, wearing a black bandana, had attempted to snatch the till at the Tasty Food outlet in Ditherington, Shrewsbury, armed with the pliers. Mr Shakoor said there was a struggle with staff, but Lewis had got away.
The court heard that a second man – believed to be the driver – was arrested by police and bailed but had since absconded.
Lewis, of Meadowlea in Madeley, Telford, was said to have a dreadful record with 50 convictions involving robbery, burglary and theft. Mr Nicholas Tatlow, for Lewis, said
the thefts were linked to his need to fund his drug habit, but he was now getting help.
