Newbury man jailed for attempted robbery in town centre pub

Jason Humphrey's actions had a 'traumatic and long lasting effect' on victim

A NEWBURY man who threatened and beat a staff member in a town centre pub during an attempted robbery has been jailed.

Jason Humphrey walked into the Lock Stock and Barrel's kitchen area and threatened a member of staff.

Wearing a hooded coat with a scarf and sunglasses covering his face, Humphrey demanded to have the pub's safe opened.

He then pulled out what appeared to be a gun wrapped in a cloth. A scuffle ensued, with the staff member attempting to grab the gun.

During the scuffle, Humphrey hit the staff member on the head about four times before running off.

Humphrey, aged 46 of Mayfair Drive, was sentenced to five years' and six months' imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Monday, August 22.

He was also ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge.

The attempted robbery took place on May 11, 2015 at about 9.30am.

Humphrey was arrested on June 8 last year, and was charged on September 28.

Investigating officer Det Con Phil Stephens said: "This incident had a traumatic and long lasting effect on the victim, and I would like to commend him for his bravery throughout this process.

"The sentence reflects the seriousness of the threat made, as well as the use of an imitation firearm.

"It also shows that Thames Valley Police will deal robustly with any offences of this nature."