Jailed for gun raid (From Penarth Times)

Jailed for gun raid

TWO teenagers who entered Llandough Post Office with a gun and demanded "every penny" are behind bars.

Aaron Brown, aged 19, of Seager Drive, Windsor Quay, Cardiff, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in a young offenders institute for his part in the attempted robbery in Llandough, and for another at McDonald's in Cardiff Bay.

A 15-year-old boy from Grangetown was sentenced to 18 months detention for his involvement. He cannot be named for legal reasons.

The attempted robberies took place in November last year. The teenagers were also both sentenced for two counts of possessing an imitation weapon.

Llandough postmaster at the time, Michael Smith, had run the post office for 36 years.

The 76-year-old ran after one of the robbers with an iron bar after they demanded money.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Brown, brandishing a gun, had entered the store and said: "I want every penny you've got in this post office."

Jane Rowley, prosecuting, said the pair later drew up at the McDonald's restaurant drive-through window on a motorbike and demanded money.

Steve Clarke, defending Brown, said his client had committed the offences to try to clear outstanding drug debts.

He said: "He sought refuge in the immediate removal of a very pressing problem."