Fake gun post office raider jailed

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A ROBBER built an imitation shotgun in his garage from pieces of pipe before holding up a Harwood post office while wearing a monkey mask, a court heard.

But Kris Whittaker’s attempts to pay off drug and loan debts through crime failed and he was chased and caught by a fireman and a passer-by.

At Bolton Crown Court yesterday Whittaker, aged 31, of Bradshaw Meadows, Bradshaw, was jailed for five years.

And Judge Peter Davies praised firefighter Daniel Winters along with Tony Crompton for their brave actions in capturing him, inviting them to court to receive commendations in person.


“They acted fearlessly, without thought for themselves, believing they had witnessed an offender running away from a robbery,” said Judge Davies. At an earlier hearing, Whittaker pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit a crime.

Alaric Bassano, prosecuting, told the court how, at 4.45pm on August 3, Musa Patel was behind the counter at the Lea Gate post office with a colleague, while two female customers and a young girl were inside.

Whittaker entered, dressed in a monkey mask and winter coat, despite it being a hot day, with what appeared to be the barrel of a shotgun pointing out from a bag.

Mr Bassano told how the customers first thought it was a joke, but then started screaming when Whittaker repeatedly banged on the counter, produced a bag and demanded Mr Patel fill it with cash.

Mr Patel refused, but Whittaker became more angry and agitated.

“I was scared for my life fearing he might shoot me,” Mr Patel later told police.

He ducked down under the counter and his colleague pressed the panic alarm, forcing Whittaker to run off empty-handed.

Unfortunately for the robber, a fire engine was passing, and fireman Daniel Winters gave chase, helped by van driver Tony Crompton.

They caught the masked raider and held him until police arrived.

Whittaker immediately admitted his guilt to police, telling them how he had cobbled together the fake shotgun out of pipes, black paint and tape in his garage.

The robber, who had mental health problems, claimed he owed up to £3,000 to payday loan companies and a drug dealer, and said that after losing his job at BAE in May he was unable to find the money. He had no criminal record, but said he decided to carry out the robbery to pay off his debts and give some cash to his parents.

“He found himself in a really desperate situation,” said Andrew Costello, defending, who added that Whittaker was particularly remorseful as he did not realise a child was in the post office when he entered.

Judge Davies said none of his victims realised Whittaker had a fake gun.

“Neither Mr Patel or the other customers in that community post office knew those metal tubes were not real,” said Judge Davies.

“Their terror must have been all too real, and it is an experience they are unlikely to forget.”