Masked raider jailed for holding up petrol station worker at knifepoint

MICHAEL HOLMES DEMANDED MONEY FROM THE TILL AND THREATENED A FEMALE SHOP WORKER WITH A BLADE BIRMINGHAMMAIL.CO.UK 16:49, 21 May 2025 This is the chilling CCTV showing a masked man holding up

a terrified petrol station at knifepoint. Pointing a blade, Michael Holmes threatened the lone female cashier before demanding money. He headed behind the counter and helped himself to cash

before fleeing. READ MORE: TEEN SHOUTS 'I'M INNOCENT' AFTER JURY DELIVERS VAPE SHOP MURDER VERDICTS West Mercia Police launched an investigation into the raid, which happened

at the Jet Change forecourt in Sutton Hill, Telford, on January 27. Detectives examined CCTV and saw that before the incident, Holmes removed a glove when he handed the cashier a can of

energy drink. GET THE LATEST BIRMINGHAMLIVE NEWS DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX After obtaining evidence from the can, officers identified Holmes as the suspect and he was arrested and charged within

48 hours. Holmes, 30, of Selkirk Drive in Sutton Hill, was sentenced to two years and seven months at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday, May 20. He also pleaded guilty to robbery and

having a bladed article in public place in March. GET BREAKING NEWS ON BIRMINGHAMLIVE WHATSAPP, CLICK THE LINK TO JOIN Det Sgt Ryan Forester, from Telford’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Team,

said: "This was a terrifying incident for the victim, and I am glad Holmes has been handed this sentence. Article continues below "I would like to thank my team for their hard work

in identifying Holmes as the suspect so quickly which meant a dangerous individual was charged and put before the courts. "I hope this sentence sends a message to those who think

carrying out violent crime is acceptable that will do everything in our power to identify, arrest and charge them and ensure justice is served.” Holmes was also sentenced for other unrelated

offences.