Man jailed for 'terrifying' post office robbery

John Watkins has been jailed for the robbery of a post office

A 40-year old man has been jailed for more than six years for the robbery of a Bristol post office, which police said was a "terrifying ordeal" for the sub postmaster.

Josh Watkins, of no fixed address, along with another man who police are still trying to identify, used a large knife to attempt to steal crash from the post office in Congresbury on 25 January.

Watkins pleaded guilty to robbery at Bristol Crown Court last month and was sentenced on Wednesday to six years and four months in prison.

He had initially pleaded not guilty to robbery but changed his plea when he appeared in court in November, police said.

Watkins and the other man entered the post office and demanded staff hand over cash while holding a large kitchen knife.

However, they were disturbed by members of the public who forced the pair to run off with no money having been stolen.

Avon and Somerset Police said an employee suffered minor injuries in the incident and that the robbery had had a significant impact on their mental health.

The employee spoke about the emotional impact in a victim personal statement read out in court.

'Community support'

Watkins was identified in August, following detailed forensic, CCTV and witness inquiries and then arrested and charged.

Det Con Shifa Scott, the investigating officer from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "The two men used a large kitchen knife to intimidate the sub postmaster in what must have been a terrifying ordeal.

"Thankfully, they were disturbed by members of the public and made off without managing to take any cash.

"I am grateful to the Congresbury community for the support they have shown the victim throughout the investigation.

"Inquiries are still ongoing to identify and bring the second offender to justice."

Police would like to hear from anyone who has any further information.