Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 6th March 2025, at 18:25hrs
A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison after carrying out a terrifying knife-point robbery at a shop in Nelson.
Zohaib Khan, of Southfield Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a knife in a public place at Burnley Crown Court on Wednesday, March 5th.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 am on January 18th at a store on Barkerhouse Road. Khan entered the shop and initially asked the shop assistant for credit, which was refused. He then proceeded to walk behind the counter and, when the assistant attempted to stop him, Khan produced a large, bladed knife and threatened him, demanding he back away.
Khan then stole 18 boxes of cigarettes before fleeing the scene.
Following a public appeal on social media, Khan was identified and subsequently arrested on February 3rd at an address in Nelson.
Detective Constable Kirsten Henry of East CID condemned Khan’s actions, stating,
“This was a frightening ordeal for the shop assistant, Khan threatening him with a knife in the course of the robbery. I welcome the prison sentence passed by the judge which reflects the seriousness of what happened.
The use of knives will not be tolerated, and Lancashire Police will investigate such offences thoroughly.”
The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of knife crime and the commitment of Lancashire Police to bringing offenders to justice.
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