A cocaine addict shot the owner of a takeaway he visited five times a week and stole money from the till to feed his addiction.
Robert Neal, 31, of Brows Lane, Formby, walked just a matter of yards from his home to Flames takeaway where he pointed a BB gun at the shop's owner and began threatening violence. Liverpool Crown Court heard how the armed robber entered the takeaway at 11.45pm on January 24 wearing a mask and latex gloves.
The 31-year-old cocaine addict walked in and pointed the gun at business owner, Kagan Kocak, repeatedly demanding money from the till and went towards it but struggled to open it. The frightened owner said he would open it for him and moved towards the till but Neal then fired the gun, which looked like a Glock pistol.
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Chris Hopkins, prosecuting, told the court the pellet hit the victim in the chest leaving a small red mark and he did not need hospital treatment. Neal left the premises taking the till with him and forced it open taking the contents. The till was later found in a nearly car park minus £189 in cash.
However Mr Kocak had recognised Neal’s voice as he was a regular customer who lived nearby. Police went to Neal’s home and found the latex gloves and mask and the cash. When interviewed he denied involvement but later pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery.
Mr Kocak told the court how he was afraid he had been struck by a bullet. Mr Hopkins said that in an impact report the victim said; “I was absolutely terrified. I thought I was going to die.”
He said he thought he had been shot by a bullet and had been left feeling “frightened, nervous and anxious and could not get the incident out of his mind.” He said he had also been left with sleeping problems, adding: “I pray a lot and seek solace in God.”
Neal was jailed for six years eight months by Judge David Swinnerton, who said that although he had disguised his appearance with a mask and gloves it was not the most sophisticated offence. But he had taken an imitation weapon with him, threatened violence and pulled the trigger.
The judge ordered him to pay £189 compensation for the money he had taken from the till but not as compensation for victim Kagan Kocak “for the terrifying ordeal you put him through.”
Charles Lander, defending, said that Neal, of Brows Lane, Formby, was a cocaine addict who needed cash to fund his habit. He explained that Neal used to go to the takeaway five times a week so his voice was known and that showed how desperate he had been for money.
Mr Lander said that Neal, whose previous convictions include dishonesty and drug offences, genuinely regretted his actions that night and was remorseful.
Detective Inspector for Merseyside Police, James Halpin said: “Neal was a regular customer at the takeaway and lived a short distance away so it is incredible he made such a brazen attempt to rob it. He was armed with an imitation gun, which he discharged, at a member of staff.
"Thankfully they were not seriously hurt but I am sure they would have been terrified of what Neal’s intentions were and whether the gun was real or not. Nobody should be made to feel that way when going about their daily business at work.
“Neal was detained nearby a short time afterwards and pleaded guilty to the offences, which thankfully meant there was no necessity for a trial. I am pleased that he will now spend the next few years behind bars as a result of his actions."
