Two sentenced to more than 10 years over Anfield c-stores armed robbery

A man and a woman have been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison following two robberies in Anfield, Mersyeside police stated on Thursday (3).

As per the report, Paul Michael Otty, 38, of no fixed abode, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (28) for assault and robbery of two small retail shops in Anfield. He was due to stand trial this week but changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Christine Marie Evans, 43, of Scorton Street in Anfield also pleaded guilty to robbery at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday (2) and has been jailed for three years.

Otty and Evans have been sentenced over the armed robbery that took place on May 14, 2021, at a convenience store on Lower Breck Road where a man was reported to have threatened the cashier with a machete. A further robbery was reported a short time later at a convenience store on Rocky Lane, Anfield. The duo was arrested soon after, said the report. 

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Chris Saidi said, “This is a great result as both offenders have been removed from our streets so they cannot cause harm or distress.

“It was a frightening experience for shop staff in both robberies, who were trying to earn a living but felt threatened into handing over goods. Thankfully in both incidences nobody was harmed in the robberies with the pair stealing a bottle of alcohol and a mobile phone.

“It is especially pleasing that Otty was given a custodial sentence for his crime as he tried to evade a conviction by pleading not guilty but changed his plea at the last minute, and the evidence was strong enough to put him behind bars.”