'Armed' robber is jailed for four years after failed attempt to raid Ayrshire fish and chip shop

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An armed robber was jailed for four years today after he was tackled by his victim who feared the intruder was armed with a gun, writes Dave Finlay.

Police arrived at the scene to find David Gormanley being restrained - after he failed in his bid to stage a raid on a takeaway restaurant in Ayr.A judge told Gormanley, 58, at the High Court in Edinburgh: "This incident must have been terrifying for your victims."Lord Fairley said: "This case is in the High Court in recognition of the seriousness of this type of offence and of the particular vulnerability of shopkeepers to those who use violence or threats of violence against them for financial gain."The judge told Gormanley, who he said had an "unenviable" criminal record, that he would have faced a six year prison term if he was convicted after a trial, but the sentence would be reduced following his guilty pleas.

Gormanley, from Cumnock, admitted assaulting Ali Cobanoglu on February 15 this year at the Lucky Star Takeaway in George Street, Ayr, by brandishing an imitation firearm towards him and demanding money with intent to rob him.

He also admitted possession of the weapon with intent to cause Ali and Havva Cobanoglu to believe that unlawful violence would be used against them.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.Advocate depute Alex Price-Marmion said the couple were working at the premises preparing to open