Axe-wielding robbers jailed after leaving Domino’s staff ‘terrified’

Michael Williams. Picture: Avon and Somerset Constabulary (Image: Avon and Somerset Constabulary)

Hooded pair Adam Gregory, aged 21, and Michael Williams, aged 23, left Domino’s Pizza staff terrified by demanding cash was handed to them after storming the Boulevard store.

Prosecutor Ian Fenny said: “Williams began banging his knuckle duster on the counter to heighten the sense of menace.

“Gregory held an axe in his left hand in a threatening manner demanding money from employee Oskar Budasz, who had retreated to the back of the kitchen.

“Mr Budasz said he was terrified by what was taking place.”

Adam Gregory. Picture: Avon and Somerset Constabulary (Image: Avon and Somerset Constabulary)

The raid took place during the early hours of November 8 and they were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

Edward Hetherington, defending Williams, said Gregory began using the axe to break down the door separating the employees from the public area in an ‘amateurish attempt’ to gain access but Williams tried to pull him away.

In his sentencing, Recorder Ben Compton said the pair had carried out a ‘frightening crime’.

Williams and Gregory, of Shrubbery Avenue, both admitted attempted robbery, affray and being in possession of offensive weapons.

Police scene of crime tape and police vehicle outside Domino's Pizza in the Boulevard. (Image: Archant)

Nothing was taken from Domino’s but Gregory – who pleaded guilty to an additional count of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon – was linked to two further incidents.

Thomas Pedler was in the Boulevard when he was set upon by a ‘group of men’.

Mr Fenny said: “He was attacked by three members of the group and felt a metal implement, which he was confident was a blade, pressed against his neck.”

Then they preyed on Joao Alonso outside The London Inn where Mr Fenny said Gregory ‘wielded the axe in a threatening and aggressive manner’ but they were chased off.

Kannan Siva, defending Gregory, said his client had been working with the Shaw Trust charity which provides job training to show his commitment and dedication to make changes to his life.

Gregory’s concurrent sentence comprised of three years for the attempted robbery, 12 months for possession of the axe, six months for affray and three months for possession of a knuckle duster.

Williams, of no fixed abode, was also handed three years for the attempted robbery, plus three months for the offensive weapon and 12 months for affray to serve concurrently.