Police Welcome Jail Sentence After ‘Terrifying’ Crimes

Police have welcomed the prison sentence handed down to a Market Harborough man who attempted to rob a shop in the town at knife-point.

Simon Harrald, 34, of Andrew Macdonald Close, entered Keya News on Logan Street on January 22nd wearing a scarf and disposable gloves, demanding money from the till.

When the assistant Dhruvil Patel refused, he fled empty-handed and was arrested two days later.

Simon Harrald

Harrald pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possessing a knife in a public place, as well as further offences in Leicester, including possessing an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery, attempting to rob a man at a shop, and stealing gold rings from H Samuels and Warren James jewellers.

He was sentenced to three years and two months at Leicester Crown Court yesterday.

Detective Constable Lauren Thacker, the investigating officer, said: “Harrald carried out a string of offences targeting businesses, stealing cash and jewellery, and on one occasion threatening victims with a knife and an imitation firearm.

“These incidents were particularly terrifying, and I am pleased he has admitted the crimes and will now spend time in prison.”

Harrald during the attempted robbery

Speaking after the incident at Keya News, Mr Patel said: “I saw the knife and he said open the till and give me the money. At first I asked him to take his mask off but I was scared because of the knife. I then said no to him two or three times regardless.

“I said no because of the business. I’ve been here for three-and-a-half years and this is the first time this has happened. I wasn’t going to hand over the money. No way.”