Wantage armed robbers had 'traumatic impact on victim'

James Povey and Lewis Greenslade, now 27 and 20, were both found to be involved in the threatening of a Wantage shopkeeper in his 60s on the afternoon of April 7 2020 whereupon the victim handed Greenslade approximately £200 in cash.

The pair returned to Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday this week and were both sentenced to 27 months imprisonment and given 10-year restraining orders.

READ MORE: Witney cocaine drug dealer handed jail sentence in Oxford

They were charged on October 22, 2021.

James Povey (Image: TVP)

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nathan Adby said: “Although the robbery was over in a matter of seconds, the events that day have had a traumatic and lasting impact on the victim, who was going about his daily business, serving his community in the midst of the national Covid lockdown.

On 7 April 2020, Lewis Greenslade and James Povey robbed the Premier Store, Barnards Way, Wantage, using an imitation gun.

Greenslade pointed the weapon at a staff member and stole £200.

On Tuesday, they were both jailed for two years and three months.https://t.co/uzWiLVBkce pic.twitter.com/54yIchsGDm

— TVPSouth Oxon & VOWH (@tvpsouthandvale) November 30, 2023

“Everybody has the right to go about their day without the threat or fear of violence, and I am pleased that the sentences given to Greenslade and Povey reflects the seriousness of their actions."

Povey, formerly of Hamfield, Wantage, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict following a trial in September this year after he initially denied involvement.

Greenslade, formerly of Hawksworth Close, Grove, had pleaded guilty to the offence in a hearing at court on December 21, 2021.

Lewis Greenslade (Image: TVP)

On the day of the offence, Povey walked into the Premier Store on Barnards Way and browsed the shelves.

Greenslade, 17 at the time, entered the shop within minutes with his face covered and dressed in dark clothing.

He approached the counter before brandishing a black imitation handgun, pointing it at the staff member behind the till’s face, while making demands for cash from the till.

The Premier Store at Barnard Way, Wantage (Image: Google)

Povey remained in the store posing as a panicked customer, allowing Greenslade to make his escape, before driving to collect Greenslade soon after to leave the area together.

Officers arrived on the scene and launched an investigation, including reviewing CCTV, debriefing witnesses and appealing for information from the local community.

As a result of the appeal, officers identified Greenslade and Povey as the offenders and both were arrested within three days of the offence.

CCTV footage of the incident.

Despite attempts by them both to dispose of evidence, the weapon and the clothing they wore were recovered by detectives.

Judge Pringle made reference to Greenslade's young age at the time of the offence in his sentencing remarks as well as both men's potential to reform.

DS Adby added: “I would like to thank publicly the victim and their family for their continued support throughout the investigation and trial, as well as the members of the Wantage community who responded to and shared the media appeals which helped to track down the offenders."