Man from Wigan jailed for 15 years for robberies in local shops
Zach Porter, a 29-year-old man from Atherton, has been sentenced to 15 years and 3 months in prison for multiple offences, including robbery, theft, possession of a knife, and threatening with a weapon. The crimes involved violent robberies at local shops in Wigan, where Porter assaulted staff and stole items and cash. He was arrested on the same day as the offences and later charged. Detective Sergeant Nigel Rigby emphasized the seriousness of such crimes and the commitment of GMP to ensuring public safety.
Atherton Man Gets 15 Years for Violent Store Robberies
Zach Porter, 31, of Devonshire Road, Atherton will spend the next 15 years and 3 months behind bars after Bolton Crown Court sentenced him on Friday for a string of armed robberies that terrorized local shop workers.
The court heard how Porter, who was arrested on January 4, 2024, committed two violent robberies on the same day. In the first incident, he entered a Derby Street store, concealed chocolate bars in his pocket, and when confronted about payment, denied having anything. He then grabbed a wine bottle, attempted to force his way behind the counter demanding the till be opened, and struck a staff member on the head with the bottle while trying to prevent them from activating the panic alarm before fleeing with cigarettes.
Just hours later, Porter entered a wine shop in Atherton armed with a 5-inch flat-head screwdriver. He pressed the weapon against a staff member’s ribs and demanded they open the register. The terrified employee complied, and Porter stole cigarettes and cash totaling £215 to £225 before escaping.
“Robbery can be a traumatic experience for victims, and no one should have to feel threatened in their place of work,” said Detective Sergeant Nigel Rigby from GMP’s Wigan District. “We want to ensure the people of Wigan are able to go about their day safely and confidently. I hope this sentence sends a clear message that we take this type of crime very seriously and will pursue offenders who frighten and intimidate members of the public and take from local businesses.”
Source: Read original article