"I deserve everything that is given to me," says armed robber after being jailed
29 October 2019, 10:04
An armed robber has written to his victim to apologise for his actions and say he deserves everything that is given to him.
Philip Avery, 32, burst into the Best One Shop in Harraton, Washington, in July. Attempting to hide his face with a red hooded jacket he leaned over the counter demanding money while holding a knife.
But Avery fled the scene left empty-handed as people living upstairs heard the commotion and came down to confront him.
He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place. The judge jailed Avery for four years.
Since he was locked up, Avery has written to his victim apologising for his actions which he claims are “out of character” and accepted his jail-term was deserved.
“I am really sorry for what I did,” Avery wrote. “This is really out of character and I have never stolen in my life – I hope I have not caused you stress or alarm.
“I will take my punishment as I deserve everything that is given to me, but please believe me when I say that is not what I stand for.
“I hope you are OK and one day can forgive me for what I did. You are a good person and I am sorry.”
Detective Constable Dave King, of Northumbria Police’s Southern CID, said: “Avery recognises that his actions that night were totally unacceptable and he now faces a significant time behind bars.
“This was a frightening ordeal for the employee who was threatened with a knife. I am pleased that this sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the long-lasting effect it can have on victims.
“There can be no excuse for this type of behaviour, and as a Force, we are committed to ensuring violent offenders are taken off the streets and are brought to justice.
“I hope this case reassures our communities that we will continue to pursue perpetrators and do everything in our power to bring criminals before the courts.”
