Man jailed for petrol station robbery

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A MAN is in prison after sticking his finger under his shirt and robbing a Wanganui petrol station Matthew Geoffrey Gray, 25, of Wanganui admitted a charge of robbery and theft.
After drinking 14 pints at a local club on August 17, Gray, a bipolar sufferer, went to BP on Victoria Ave and stole three pies.
While walking home along Dublin St, he decided he wanted some money.
After putting his T-shirt over his head, he walked into the Dublin St Shell Service Station, stuck his finger under his shirt and told the attendant he would blow his head off if he didn't give him money.
Gray also said he had a "magnum-type" gun under his shirt. The attendant gave Gray the money from his till.
After he left a member of the public, who was also in the service station, followed Gray and called police.
Counsel Lance Rowe said Gray's family, who were having difficulties coping with Gray at home, had been trying to get help for him but had been told his condition was not serious enough.
Mr Rowe said a psychological report "didn't go far enough to say residential treatment was required".
The report also said Gray lacked insight into his illness and accepted he needed to take his medication.
It also said Gray would benefit from schizophrenia and alcohol treatment.
Gray had expressed remorse to the victim.
Crown prosecutor Stephen Ross said it was a serious incident which involved actual threatened violence and threatened use of a weapon.
It had a serious impact on the victim who was still suffering the effects and was unsure whether to remain working at the petrol station, he said.
People who target service stations or dairies needed to be brought to account, Mr Ross said.
Judge John Clapham thanked Gray's family for supporting Gray in court and acknowledged the effects the robbery had on them.
Judge Clapham also took into account the ongoing effects the offending had on the victim, but praised his actions. "It's sad indeed that the impact is ongoing for the cashier and a matter to be considered for sentence."
On the robbery charge Gray was convicted and sentenced to 20 months' prison.
On the theft charge he was convicted and sentenced to seven days' prison.
Leave to apply for home detention was denied.