Man given life sentence for armed robbery near Sherborne

Dion Kevin Levy, aged 40 and of no fixed abode, appeared at Taunton Crown Court on 8 October after admitting a charge of robbery and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

He was also sentenced for a further robbery and an offence of possessing a firearm with intent relating to an incident at Martock Post Office in Somerset on 4 January 2018 and was handed a life sentence. Levy was told he would have to serve a minimum jail term of seven years before being eligible for parole.

At around 12.30pm on Tuesday 9 January 2018 Levy entered the Spar Store in Yetminster and approached the counter.

He jumped over the counter and was seen by a member of staff brandishing a knife in his right hand, described as having a thin Stanley knife-style blade and a yellow handle.

Levy demanded money and grabbed the till drawer before leaving the shop, heading into the High Street.

Levy was seen to go into Stony Acres before it is believed he left the scene in a blue Citroen Saxo. The till drawer was located in Stony Acres and a number of £5 notes were recovered from the ground in the High Street.

The defendant made off with a total of £757.65 from the store.

Levy was arrested by officers from Avon and Somerset Police in Yeovil the following day.

A 32-year-old woman from Yeovil was also arrested on suspicion of robbery but was released without charge.

Detective Constable Declan Cummings, of Dorset Police, said, “This knifepoint robbery had a significant impact on the local community and I would like to thank colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police for their assistance in bringing Levy to justice.

“I hope the significant sentence imposed demonstrates that offending of this nature will be dealt with firmly by the court.”