Two men have been sentenced for robbery at Laganside Crown Court today, Friday, 29th May.
40 year old Sean Paul Fisher and 24 year old John McKissock were sentenced for their involvements in an attempted robbery and robbery at two west Belfast shops on 18th February 2024.
They were both sentenced for Attempted robbery, Robbery, and additionally McKissock was sentenced to common assault on an 8 year old girl at the time.
Fisher was sentenced to 81 months, which will be consist of 33 months imprisonment and 48 months on licence. McKissock was sentenced to 54 months, which will consist of half of the sentence imprisonment and half on licence.
Fisher was additionally sentenced for an additional unrelated matter of vehicle and theft offences relating to aggravated taking and driving away on 14th June 2023 in the Newtownabbey area.
Speaking following sentencing, Sgt Paul Rice from Reducing Offending Unit, Musgrave said: “These were two extremely distressing incidents for those caught up in the actions of both McKissock and Fisher.
“Both males demanded money and threatened staff at a shop in the Falls Road and Iveagh Street areas of west Belfast armed with knives. Despite making threats with knives and verbal threats to staff, the men fled the shop on the Falls road after staff bravely fought back. A young girl present in the store at the time was pursued by McKissock and assaulted.
“At the Iveagh Street shop, the males threatened staff with knives and verbal threats before making off with cash and cigarettes. Both men were subsequently arrested following these incidents.
“Today’s sentencing offers reassurance that police are committed to achieving appropriate criminal justice outcomes on behalf of victims of crime.”