A man who terrorised petrol station staff at knifepoint has been sentenced to six years in prison following a series of robberies across North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
Roy Holmes, 58, from Park Side Road, Bradford, was jailed today at York Crown Court after pleading guilty to three armed robberies, including incidents at ASDA Express in Knaresborough, Woodlands Service Station in Harrogate, and a Co-op store near Keighley.
Holmes used a lock-knife to threaten staff, stealing hundreds of pounds worth of tobacco and cash during the spree. He was first caught on CCTV during a robbery at ASDA Express on Wetherby Road, Knaresborough in June. A CID investigation was launched, leading to a public appeal.
Weeks later, Holmes struck again at Woodlands Service Station, also on Wetherby Road. He arrived in a car with false number plates, filled it with fuel, then entered the shop and filled a bag with cigarettes while threatening staff at knifepoint.
His getaway was short-lived—officers from North Yorkshire Police intercepted the car on the outskirts of Bradford, finding stolen items, the knife, and the fake plates inside. Holmes was arrested on the spot, charged, and later remanded in custody.
Further investigation linked him to an earlier robbery at a Co-op in Cullingworth, near Keighley, in September. He admitted to all three offences.
Police Investigator David Carter, who led the investigation, said:
“Holmes refused to speak during interview, showing no accountability or remorse. I want to commend the bravery of the victims and thank both CID teams who worked tirelessly to secure this conviction.
While incidents like this are rare in North Yorkshire, they are traumatic for those involved – I’m pleased justice has been served.”
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