Man jailed for firearm and robbery offences

A man has been jailed for five years following firearm and robbery offences.

Michael Sharples, 22, of Emsworth Road, Blurton, will serve five years behind bars after being sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (15 February).

Sharples pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and robbery in November 2021 at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

The court heard how police received a call from a man at around 11.10pm on 18 October 2021 where a lit bottle of petrol had been thrown into his garden which resulted in the hedge and lawn to catch fire at an address on Finstock Avenue, Blurton.

A short time later, CCTV cameras revealed how the victim spoke to the suspect, unaware of who he was at the time.

The suspect was described as a white male, with a bald head, and was seen wearing a flight jacket and shiny shoes.

Officers were deployed and around 20 minutes later, the suspect approached a police vehicle.

As an officer approached the suspect, he then pointed a black gun in the direction of the officer and began to make threats.

This resulted in officers and members of the public running for safety as the suspect fired shots towards them.

A short time later after the suspect left the area, officers went back to their car and noticed the boot of the vehicle was open.

A first aid kit taken from the vehicle was recovered in Ingleby Road, Blurton.

At around 1.15am on 19 October 2021, officers parked on Blurton Road, Stoke-on-Trent, noticed a man, matching the description of the suspect, approach them with his arms up.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion being in possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He was later charged with possession of imitation firearm and robbery.

Sergeant Christopher Wright of Staffordshire Police, said: “Sharples put so many lives at risk and thankfully no one was injured. Officers and member of the public in the area at the time were visibly shaken following this incident.

“We are happy with the sentencing and hope this serves as a reminder that Staffordshire Police will investigate these circumstances comprehensively in order to deliver justice and reassurance to victims of crime.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated and we assure the community that the force will take all of the necessary steps to apprehend those responsible.”