Shropshire Star

Robber threatened Telford shop staff with kitchen knife

A man has admitted robbing shop staff at knifepoint at two stores in Telford within 48 hours.

Published
CCTV image released by police after the robbery in Majestic Way, Aqueduct

Matthew Rogers, 25, of Bembridge, Brookside, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Tuesday and admitted four charges.

He pleaded guilty to robbery, stealing £80 cash, a bottle of cider and cigarettes at Madeley on April 11 with a separate charge of possessing a bladed article – a kitchen knife.

He also pleased guilty to robbery involving £100 cash at Majestic Way, Aqueduct, on April 13 and possessing a kitchen knife.

The case was adjourned for reports until July 26.

Judge Anthony Lowe said Rogers could expect a fairly lengthy prison sentence.

Mr Robert Edwards, defending, said the reports would include an addendum to a current psychiatric report on his client.

He said Rogers had received treatment for schizophrenia for many years and that his medication had recently been altered.

The report would look at whether this change had affected his client’s mental state, Mr Edwards said.

At the time of the robberies West Mercia police issued a CCTV image of one of the offences and appealed for help in tracking down the robber.