Thief who threatened shop workers with broken bottle jailed
Last updated 16th Oct 2019
A career criminal, who terrorised two shop workers with a broken bottle before fleeing with cash, has been jailed for four years and one month.
Gary Melbourne, 30, threatened Paula Hamilton, 55, and Gary Johnson, 49, with the makeshift weapon during their shift at Pringles Convenience Store in Elm Row, Edinburgh.
The raid on April 20, 2019, lasted just three minutes, with Melbourne stealing approximately £50 to £100 from the till.
Melbourne threatened the two workers with the bottle before jumping over the counter and demanding the cash.
The two workers were so terrified of what could happen to them they handed over the cash.
He then left the shop and was later arrested by police.
Melbourne, of Edinburgh, admitted a charger of assault and robbery.
Prosecutor Graeme Jessop told the court that Melbourne had numerous convictions for serious offences, including assault.
He added: “At the the time of the offence, he was living a chaotic lifestyle - he is a chronic user of drugs and was sleeping rough.”
At the High Court in Glasgow Lord Burns told Melbourne: “You have a serious record.”
He jailed him and ordered him to be monitored in the community for two years after his release.