Man jailed for Sainsbury’s petrol station robbery in Southampton

Ben Dwyer, aged 18, of no fixed abode has been sentenced to 38 months in prison following an investigation by officers in the Western Investigation Team based at Southampton Central Police Station.

Dwyer admitted his part in the robbery that happened at 10pm on Sunday 16 December 2018 where staff were threatened with hammers and crowbars, and £1520 in cash and more than £3500 worth of cigarettes were stolen.

No stolen items were ever recovered but Dwyer was arrested on Jan 16 and charged the next day. None of the CCTV showed Dwyer’s face, but he was identified via forensic evidence left at the scene, namely his blood after he smashed the office window to try and access the staff and safe

He pleaded guilty to robbery at his first hearing at Southampton Crown Court on February 15 and now, he has been sentenced to 38 months in prison.

Detective Constable Lisa Robins from the Western Investigation Team said: “This was a fast-paced investigation into what was a frightening ordeal for the station’s employees.

“Staff were confronted and threatened with weapons, and even though the whole ideal must have been only a few minutes, it must have been terrifying.

“Fortunately Dwyer has been taken off of our streets. I hope this sends a message to others out there that think they can get away with committing robberies against businesses is Southampton. We will always catch up with you.

“The act might be quick but your prison sentence won’t be.”