Man jailed for robbery spree in Romsey

Man jailed for robbery spree in Romsey

A man has been jailed for more than four years after committing two robberies during a crime rampage in Romsey. 

Clive George Inch, 42, of Newcombe Road in Southampton, appeared before Southampton Crown Court on Monday (2 November), having pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, possession of a bladed article, and threatening someone with a bladed article.

The court heard how on Sunday 21 June, staff asked Inch to leave the Co-Op, in The Hundred, before he pulled a folding saw from his trouser pocket and demanded money from the till.

The blade on the saw measured 17cm long.

He continued to threaten staff whilst he took handfuls of notes from the till. The total amount stolen was £250. 

Inch then walked to The Pheonix pub and again pulled the saw out and started demanding money and cigarettes. 

Inch then directly threatened a member of the public, a man in his 40s, telling him he would stab and kill him. 

A short while later, police were called to a further robbery at The Exchange. Staff reported that Inch came into the pub holding a small saw in his hand and demanded staff open the till and give him money.

Inch made off with approximately £80.

He then entered The Cocky Anchor on Market Place and told staff he had just committed an armed robbery at the Co-Op. As Inch was leaving the pub, he was confronted by officers and arrested. 

All of these incidents took place within the space of 15 minutes.

He was sentenced to four months and six months. Another month was added to the sentence, as the offences were committed while Inch was serving a suspended sentence, making the total four years and seven months.

Detective Constable Graeme Deeley, the officer in the case, said: “This was a frightening incident for all involved. 

“People should be able to do their job, and drink in a pub, without being in fear of being attacked.

“Inch’s actions on this day have had lasting impacts on those he threatened and those who witnessed his behaviour.

“I am pleased with the result and hope this goes some way to reassure you that we will take action and bring offenders to justice.”