Drug addict handed himself in after cash point robbery

David Edge (29) grabbed the money in broad daylight outside the Tesco store in the town on February 6, before running off.

The victim was unhurt but shaken by the robbery. Two days later, Edge contacted police saying he had committed the robbery, and wanted to confess.

He told police he had spent all the money on class A drugs.

Yesterday (Tuesday), Edge, whose address was given as HMP Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court where he was given a nine month sentence after pleading guilty to one count of robbery.

Cheryl Williams, prosecuting, told the court: “The incident took place at 3.30pm. The victim became concerned about Mr Edge, who did not appear to be doing anything at the cash machine.

“As he (the victim) put his card back into his wallet, Edge grabbed his hand and snatched the money, without saying anything, before running off.”

While a member of staff at Tesco recognised Edge, he was not apprehended by police until he handed himself in.

Miss Williams said Edge told police he had been on a cocktail of drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin, when he committed the crime.

Charlie Myatt, defending, said his confession was an indication of the remorse shown.

He said: “He handed himself in - there can be no clearer display of remorse shown.

“He has struggled with heroin addiction for 10 years.”

The court was told Edge had a string of previous convictions, including for dishonesty, violence and drug offences.

Judge Sean Enright, sentencing, said: “You are a 29-year-old man with a significant criminal record which has been driven by dependency on class A drugs.
“You showed considerable remorse by handing yourself in.”