Man sentenced to three and a half years in prison for Portsmouth robbery

A man has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for his involvement in a robbery at a convenience store in Paulsgrove in October.

David Alan Reilly, 33, of Patrick Haugh Road, Bicester, was sentenced on Friday (2 July) for robbery and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard how at around 7.35pm on Friday 9 October 2020, Reilly entered the Danny Mart Convenience Store on Ludlow Road and threatened a staff member with a knife before leaving with a number of cigarettes from behind the counter.

He pleaded guilty to both charges. A second man who was involved in the incident is due to be sentenced later this year.

Reilly must also serve six months of a suspended sentence for inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm in a separate incident. 

He has been sentenced to 48 months in total. 

DC Martin Alderton of Portsmouth’s Criminal Investigations Team said: “This was a particularly nasty knifepoint robbery which was terrifying for the victim who should feel safe at work.  

“I hope this sentence sends out a clear message that violent crime of any kind will not be tolerated and we will do everything we can to take these offenders off our streets and keep our communities safe.”

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