Peterborough man jailed for knife point robbery after being tackled by member of the public

On January 29, 33-year-old Russell Ebbage entered The Shopping Basket in Donaldson Drive, Paston, armed with a knife, at about 5.30pm, before threatening a member of staff and making demands for money from the cash register.

He left with about £1,000 in cash but was caught by a member of the public who was also inside the shop who made chase and tackled Ebbage to the ground.

Ebbage managed to escape and made off, but left the knife behind which the witness took back to the shop for safekeeping.

The incident was reported to police two days later and Ebbage was arrested on February 4 at his home address in Patterdale Drive, Gunthorpe, after the shop owner identified the robber as being Russell Ebbage.

In interview, Ebbage gave a full and frank admission to committing the robbery and stated that he understood the severity of the allegation that he had been arrested for and that he should not have done it and regretted it.

He was later charged with robbery and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Detective Constable Kevin Poole said: “Ebbage admits what he did was wrong and realises just how serious an offence of robbery is. I hope the time he will spend behind bars will give him chance to reflect on his actions.

“The customer who gave chase showed great bravery in tackling Ebbage who was armed with a knife. As a result he has received a commendation from the judge and awarded £500.”

Ebbage appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on Wednesday (March 10) and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for the robbery, and 12 months for possessing a bladed article, to run concurrently.