Man who stole from a Milton Keynes mosque and robbed an off-licence is jailed for three years

Ally Gillan, aged 27, of St George’s Way, Wolverton was guilty of a "a despicable act of violence", say police.

And his other offence of stealing from a mosque was "a shameful act", said officers.

Gillan has now appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court to plead guilty to one count of robbery and one of theft. He was jailed the same day.

The robbery happened on Monday April 27, this year, when Gillan entered the Euro Off Licence store in Tower Crescent in Neath Hill at around 6.15pm.

Once inside he assaulted a member of staff by punching them in the face, and then stole £850 from the till.

The count of theft relates to an incident on 14 February 2020, when Gillan stole a charity box from the Wolverton Mosque.

He must also pay compensation of £200 to the trustees of the Mosque.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sebastien Kuzoe, of Milton Keynes police station, said: “I am pleased that Gillan has now been sentenced for the crimes he has committed in Milton Keynes.

“The act of robbery was a despicable act of violence towards an innocent member of staff, who was making a living doing their job, and the act of stealing from a Mosque was yet another shameful act."

He added: “I hope that he will use his time in custody to reflect on what he has done, and the consequences of his actions.

“Thames Valley Police will always investigate reports of robbery and burglary, and work tirelessly to bring offenders like Gillan to justice."

DC Kuzoe paid tribute to the victim in the off-licence case, who , he said, "acted with dignity" throughout the process.

"I hope that Gillan’s sentence will help them to continue with their life.”