Robber who threatened Gillingham shop employee with a house brick is jailed

A robber who threatened a worker with a house brick at a Gillingham shop is starting a prison sentence.

On 24 June 2023, Rhys McGown entered a store in Lonsdale Drive with his face concealed by a t-shirt before leaving the premises.

Ten minutes later he returned holding a brick and followed an employee behind the counter. McGown demanded cash from the till and the victim, who feared for his safety, handed him £200. McGown ran from the store and the police were alerted to the incident.

McGown captured on CCTV holding a house brick Photo: Kent Police

Detectives examined CCTV at the store and an appeal was issued that included an image of the suspect. On 1 July, McGown handed himself in at Medway Police Station.

McGown, from Gillingham was later charged with robbery to which he pleaded guilty to the indictment at Maidstone Crown Court and on Thursday 22 February 2024, the 29-year-old was sentenced to one year and four months’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Emma Laimbeer, of the Kent Crime Squad, said:

‘This criminal put his victim, who feared he would be injured by his assailant, through a terrible ordeal.

‘Those who target small local shops strike at the heart of communities that depend on these outlets for their groceries and other items. Losses through crime can affect the ability of owners to continue trading and McGown should be ashamed of his conduct.’