Health

Lanarkshire robber who left shop with just one cigarette jailed for four years

By Kieran Webster,Lanarkshire Live

Copyright glasgowlive

Lanarkshire robber who left shop with just one cigarette jailed for four years

A man who robbed a Coatbridge shop of just one cigarette has been jailed for nearly four years.

Christopher Bonnar had threatened to jump over the counter and help himself, but gave up when the plucky assistant gave him one of her own cigarettes.

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard Bonnar went into Scotmid Bank Street around lunchtime on April 8, reports Lanarkshire Live.

Flora McCamley, prosecuting, said: “He asked for cigarettes and when the assistant asked what brand he wanted he said he didn’t care.

“She selected a pack and asked how he wished to pay. Bonnar replied, ‘just give me the f*****g fags’.

“When she refused to hand them over he warned he would jump over the counter and then he tried to grab the cigarettes.

“The assistant eventually gave him one of her own cigarettes to avoid further confrontation and Bonnar left the shop.”

The 37-year-old admitted assault and robbery at the shop and attempting to rob a man at a bank machine nearby minutes later.

Ms McCamley said the man withdrew £150 and was confronted by Bonnar who brandished a screw at him and demanded £20.

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Bonnar threatened to stab the man but walked away without getting any money.

Bonnar also admitted brandishing the screw and scissors at police officers and threatening to murder them.

He was disarmed and arrested after a brief stand-off in Manse Street.

He further admitted assaulting three prisoner escort workers at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Defence agent Roberto Manini said Bonnar has mental health issues brought on by alcohol abuse.

Sheriff Derek Livingston branded his behaviour “completely unacceptable”.

The sheriff jailed him for 46 months and ordered him to be supervised for a year when he is released.

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