Knife-wielding robber jailed after Chester store attack

A man who threatened a store worker with a knife during an attempted robbery at a shop in Chester has been jailed.

Christopher Bragan appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 28 September where he was sentenced to 64 months in prison.

The 45-year-old of Newry Park, Chester, had previously pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place. He also admitted a charge of blackmail in relation to an unrelated matter.

During the hearing the court was told how shortly after 8pm on Friday 14 April, Bragan entered a convenience store on Brook Lane.

While loitering in the store, he dropped a knife onto the floor. He quickly grabbed the knife before initially fleeing the store.

Moments later he went back into the shop and walked towards the counter before demanding that the shop worker handed over cigarettes.

After they refused to comply, Bragan produced the large knife and pointed it towards the shop worker and again asked them to handover cigarettes. Once again, the employee refused, and he fled the store empty handed on foot.

However, he was quickly arrested and charged after officers recognised Bragan on the CCTV footage.

Detective Constable Emma Flanagan said:

“This was a terrifying ordeal for all those involved, and I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Bragan.

“He is a prolific offender and has showed absolutely no regard for both the store worker and members of the public who were also present.

“I hope that the outcome of this case demonstrates to local residents how seriously we treat robbery, and also acts as a warning to others who are intent on committing crime.”