Barry woman rewarded by judge after seeing off armed robber (From Barry And District News)

Barry woman rewarded by judge after seeing off armed robber

8:10am Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Sharon Harris

A BARRY woman who saw off an armed robber by swearing at him, sending him packing empty-handed, has been rewarded for her bravery by a judge.

Mum-of-three Michelle Andrews was commended by Cardiff Crown Court judge Neil Bidder on Friday (January 4), after he heard how she told the knife-wielding 37-year-old to ‘**** off’.

The court heard that Jason Jackson, of Barry, burst into her newsagents shop on Holton Road with a knife and demanded cash, in November last year. But 45-year-old Michelle stood firm, refused to pay up, swore at him and called police.

Faced with her response, Jackson fled the shop empty-handed - and the judge decided Michelle should be the recipient of a £150 reward.

Judge Neil Bidder said: "I think she deserves an award for her bravery."

"A knife was being pointed at her and she had the presence of mind to pick up the phone, and that led to the arrest.

"She should be given an award from public funds. It is not a lot of money but it marks the views of the court."

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Jackson targeted the newsagents because he thought it would be an easy target.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bushell said: "He got more than he bargained for when he confronted her.

"She was stunned but told him: 'F*** off - I'm on a direct line to the police,' and picked up her phone to dial 999."

Jackson, of Barry, fled the scene but was arrested the following day - and on Friday he was jailed for two years and eight months.

Michelle will now receive her reward from the High Sheriff of South Glamorgan.

Speaking after the case to the Barry & District News, she said Jackson had come into the shop to have a look around on a Sunday morning, before leaving and then returning.

"Next thing I know he's pulled the Stanley knife out, stretching his arm out,” she said.

"I told him to go forth and multiply - my exact words were ‘**** off!’ "He said ‘oh ***’ then turned around and legged it.

"It's not the first time it's happened,” she added.

"I was petrified, but your adrenaline kicks in.

"I was surprised how he reacted - I'm only little and I think he was 5ft 10in!"

Michelle, adding that she may buy a new handbag with the money, said: "The reward is very nice, and I'd like to say a big thank you to the police for their hard work and quick response."