VIDEO: Jail for man who threatened shop worker at knifepoint

A MAN who threatened a 62-year-old shop worker at knifepoint before being tackled by three members of the public has been jailed for six years.
Garry TyrellGarry Tyrell
Garry Tyrell

Garry Michael Tyrell, of High Greave Road, East Herringthorpe, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court today (6) after admitting robbery and possession of a bladed article at an earlier hearing.

He was also given a life-long restraining against the victim.

Tyrell (26) entered Gilbert's Newsagents, Ridgeway, Rotherham,  at around 10.25am on Saturday, March 10, and went behind the counter where he held a large kitchen knife to a member of staff while demanding cash.

As he attempted to leave the store, a customer took him on, pushing a shopping trolley towards him and forcing him to run down one of the aisles, said a police spokeswoman.

After a brief struggle and with the help of two other members of the public, the men apprehended Tyrell, disarmed him and held him down before police arrived shortly after.

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PC Paul McIntyre said: “The three men were extremely courageous, acting quickly and selflessly to stop Tyrell as he tried to escape.

“Thanks to their actions and the officers arriving shortly after, we were able to charge him and bring him before the courts quickly.

“I’m pleased that a dangerous offender has been jailed and I hope this will bring some comfort to those affected by his thoughtless and violent behaviour.”

PC McIntyre said that although the shop worker was not injured, the 62-year-old woman had been significantly affected by the robbery.

“Tyrell had gone into the shop with the sole intention of taking money, with no thought as to the impact this would have on staff and customers in there,” he said.

“The victim is being supported by her family but is understandably afraid to be alone and is suffering from severe anxiety.

“She hopes she can move forward but currently feels like Tyrell has ruined her life and she cannot return to a job she once loved through fear.

“His behaviour has resulted in prison and I hope this sends a stark warning to people to think about the consequences of their actions and to think about the people whose lives they are affecting.”

The three men who apprehended Tyrell have been recognised with a chief superintendent’s commendation that will be presented at the Rotherham District Awards on Monday, April 23.