A man has been jailed for four years for the knifepoint robbery of a petrol station.
Matthew Maule, 38, was jailed at Brighton Crown Court earlier this month for holding up the garage in Worthing and having a knife in public.
Recorder James Lofthouse sentenced Maule, of Gravits Lane, Bognor, and formerly of Canada Grove, Bognor, after the defendant admitted the offences.
Sussex Police said: “A robber who threatened a petrol station worker with a knife has been jailed.
“Matthew Maule entered the premises in Findon Road, Worthing, at about 5am on Thursday 8 February this year.
“A worker reported a robbery at the premises and the suspect had left the scene.
“There was also a further report of an incident at an address in Worthing involving a knife.
“Sussex Police issued a public appeal to help identify and locate Maule and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.
“At Brighton Crown Court on Friday 3 May, Maule, 38, formerly a groundsman, of Gravits Lane, Bognor, admitted robbery, possession of a knife in public and possession of a bladed article in public.
“He was sentenced to four years in prison.
Detective Inspector Gary Jacobs said: “Maule entered a petrol station and threatened a staff member with a knife.
“It was a distressing incident for the victim, and we issued a public appeal to help identify and locate the suspect.
“From our inquiries we were able to identify Maule. We are grateful to the public for their support to help ensure that Maule was arrested swiftly.
“The case demonstrates our determination to catch dangerous criminals and ensure they are taken off the streets.”
