An armed robber was heard pleading “get me out of here” after becoming trapped inside a Coventry convenience store he had just targeted in a knife-point raid.
Jordan Peebles, 32, carried out the robbery at a shop in the Riley Square shopping centre in Bell Green on Christmas Eve (24 December) last year, threatening a staff member with a large kitchen knife.
During the incident, Peebles assaulted the worker while brandishing the weapon before going behind the counter and filling a bag with goods.
The staff member managed to escape and lowered the shop’s shutters, trapping Peebles inside the premises.
Footage shows Peebles attempting to force his way out, lifting at the shutters in a bid to escape. When police arrived, officers ordered him to drop the knife.
As he realised he was unable to get out, Peebles began pleading with officers, repeatedly saying “get me out of here”.
He was then released from the secured shop under police control, disarmed, and arrested at the scene.
Peebles later pleaded guilty to robbery at Warwick Crown Court and was sentenced to four years and four months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Jay Aston, of Coventry Local CID, described the incident as a “shocking knifepoint robbery” that could have resulted in serious injury or death.
He said the shop worker showed “incredible bravery and quick thinking” in escaping and trapping the offender inside, enabling officers to make a swift arrest.
Police confirmed that response units were on scene within minutes.