Bognor knife man 'got more than he bargained for' in attempted robbery

Arturas Matuiza, 22, unemployed, of West Street, Bognor, was given a three year and eight month sentence after pleading guilty at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday (May 12) to robbery and making threats with a knife.

Matuiza went into the local shop in London Road, Bognor, at midday on Monday April 13, to steal cash and alcohol, and when challenged by the owner, produced a knife and demanded money.

Matuiza's attempt to take alcohol and cash from a shop was thwarted when the owner refused to comply.

Following the shop owner's brave refusal, Matuiza dropped the knife and ran off, pursued by a community warden while the police were alerted.

He ran away a small quantity of beer and cigarettes, according to police.

Matuiza twice turned and threatened the business warden who still pursued him and kept him under observation until police arrived and arrested him.

Detective Constable Paul Gilmour said: "This man got more than he bargained for, and the resolute and prompt reactions of the owner and the warden, who were both thankfully unhurt, enabled our officers to find Matuiza and ensure he was brought to justice."