Queensferry Costcutter robber jailed for 20 years for attempted murder

Matthew Whelan, 30, from Mancot has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for an attack on shopkeeper Imtiaz ul Haq during a robbery at his Queensferry Costcutter store.

Whelan of Willow Park, Mancot was sentenced today at Mold Crown after admitting robbery and attempted murder.

Mr Haq was beaten, stabbed in the throat and head – and was lucky to be alive, Mold Crown Court was told.

Whelan was sentenced as a dangerous offender and must serve two-thirds of the 20-year sentence imposed for attempted murder before he can be considered for release.

His licence period, on release, was extended by three years which formally makes it a 23-year prison sentence.

Whelan received a concurrent eight-year sentence for the robbery.

Police were called to Costcutters, Queensferry at around 6.30pm on Thursday, December 8 where the 59-year-old shopkeeper had sustained significant during attempted robbery.

North Wales Police Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said;

This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on an innocent man in his place of work. I am pleased with the sentence which I hope will send out the message that violence will not be tolerated and those who commit such crimes can expect a lengthy sentence behind bars.

Man seriously injured in robbery at Queensferry Costcutter store.