The ‘Little Britain’ Armed Robbers Foiled By Bravery Of Shop Owner

A FATHER and son armed robbery pair launched a ‘ruthless’ raid on a post office – disguised as characters from Little Britain.

Declan Pick, then 17, pushed his father, Martin, 38, into the village store in a wheelchair – like the characters 'Lou and Andy’.

The pair were both disguised in women’s wigs, overcoats, hats, sunglasses and handbags.

But then they leapt into action, with Martin throwing off a blanket on his lap to reveal a shotgun.

Disguise: The men dressed as Little Britain characters

Despite their 'carefully planned, ruthless and violent operation’ they were caught due to the 'pluck’ of post master Anthony Williams.

He was aided by several residents in the village of Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, who helped apprehend the robbers and remove their disguises.

The pair, and their getaway driver, Martin’s brother Mark, 42, appeared via video link on Wednesday at Leeds Crown Court to be sentenced for robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

Martin has been jailed for 18 years.

Escape: The pair flee the shop

The court heard how Mr Williams had been immediately alarmed at the robbers’ appearance when they entered his store in the village of Boston Spa at 9.30am on March 23 last year.

Kirstie Watson, prosecuting, told how elderly customers were in the store when Martin, wearing a black wig, started shouting 'Give us your money’ as Declan wielded a gun of his own – both turned out to be imitation firearms.

They leapt onto the counter and opened the till, taking around £2,000 they stuffed in one of the handbags.

At one point Martin became irate and pulled the trigger of his weapon. Mr Williams told how he felt the expelled air from the shot.

Jailed: Mike and Martin Pick

The pair then ran from the shop, but Mr Williams gave chase.

A woman outside the shop had managed to pull Martin’s wig off and Mr Williams managed to grab him and they fell to the ground.

Martin started to strike Mr Williams with a crow bar but a woman came to his his aid and grabbed the weapon.

Meanwhile Declan, had managed to get to the getaway car, a white Nissan Duke, and fired his gun, allowing his father to escape.

Luckily the locals had managed to grab vital evidence which would provide DNA samples – and in removing the disguises they allowed the men to be picked out at an ID parade.

‘Pluck’: Mr Williams’ bravery helped capture the robbers

The robbers had left behind the sunglasses and a wig and the handbag containing the money.

Jailing Martin and Mark - who was sent down for 16 years - Judge Tom Bayliss QC said: 'This was a carefully planned, ruthless and violent robbery for substantial financial gain.

'Weapons were used, disguises were employed and you equipped yourselves with a high performance car.

'All of that is an indication of sophistication of your operation. You were foiled because of the pluck shown by bystanders who became involved, including post master Anthony Williams.

Mr Williams says he is now selling the Post Office in Boston Spa

'What none of you could possibly foresee was the sheer pluck and bravery and determination by the post master and local residents to stop your enterprise, who all came together to defeat you.’

However, a victim impact statement told how Mr Williams is now selling his business as he suffers greatly after the attack and worries about the safety of his wife and son.

The only mitigation offered by Martin’ Pick’s defence was his early guilty plea.

Both his son, Declan Pick, and brother were found guilty after a trial.

Declan could not be jailed on Wednesday as the video link to the young offenders institute was severed.

Pictures from Ross Parry