Jail for man who attempted to rob Post Office

A man has been jailed and handed a restraining order after attempting to rob Burnopfield Post Office.

In January this year, Mark McTeer walked into the store, hiding his identity by wearing a motorbike helmet, and pointed a gun at the cashier’s head.

McTeer demanded money from the store assistant however the victim bravely found the courage to fend him off and took the gun from McTeer.

The victim was then joined by two staff members who helped restrain McTeer and held onto him until police arrived.

He was arrested at the scene, brought into custody and later charged with attempt robbery and having a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The 43-year-old, of Swalwell, appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday (May 1) and was jailed for 3 year and 3 months.

Detective Constable Adam Boyle, from West CID said: “This incident understandably had a massive impact on the local community so I know they will be pleased to hear that McTeer has been put behind bars.

“I hope the brave victim and their colleagues can now move on from this incident but be very proud of their actions on the day.”