A ROBBER who struck at two shops in Rugby has been jailed for more than three years – and was thanked by police for making a ‘to-do list’ of crimes which helped to secure his conviction.
When police raided the home of Liam Benz, 22, after he had been arrested in connection with a robbery and attempted robbery in Rugby, they found a list of things to do which included ‘stick someone up’ and ‘cash point/shop robbery’ – which was written twice with the first crossed out as if complete.
On April 6, Benz went into a shop in Lawford Road where he pushed to the front of the queue and accused the shop worker of selling alcohol, cigarettes and drugs to his 14-year-old daughter. He then slapped the member of staff and demanded cash.
Benz fled the scene empty-handed after being confronted by other members of staff.
Later that day, he went to a store in Blackwood Avenue where he threatened and punched a shop worker after accusing him of selling alcohol to his 14-year-old daughter. Benz demanded £120 in cash and tobacco, which the worker handed over before calling the police.
Officers arrived and found Benz in Somers Road where he was arrested and officers seized the stolen cash and tobacco.
Appearing at Warwick Crown Court on Friday July 16, Benz, of York Street, Rugby was sentenced to three years and five months in prison after pleading guilty to robbery and attempted robbery. He also pleaded guilty to possession of class A drugs with intent to supply having been arrested in Rugby in January.
Det Cons Kat Brock from Rugby CID said: “We were incredibly grateful to Mr Benz for making a ‘to-do list’ which proved very useful in helping to convict him. I only wish more criminals were this helpful.
“Theses offences were clearly premeditated and were incredibly distressing for the victims. This has been reflected in the length of his sentence.”
