A man has been sentenced to jail for attempted robbery and criminal damage at a pawn shop in the Bletchley area of Milton Keynes.

John Melville, 40, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a count each of attempted robbery and criminal damage, in a hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court on 6 January 2025.

Returning to the same court on Wednesday 19 February, Melville was sentenced to a total of four years and six months’ imprisonment.

On 20 November last year, Melville ended the This ‘n That store in Cambridge Street in Bletchley, arriving on a moped at around 5.40pm. When he arrived, he was armed with a hammer.

Melville used the hammer to smash glass cabinets containing high value second-hand mobile phones and jewellery.  He was detained at the scene by a member of the public and subsequently arrested and charged with the offences.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Christopher Smart, based at Milton Keynes police station, said, “I am pleased that Melville has been held to account of his offending and will now serve a substantial prison sentence.

“He is a prolific offender with a number of previous offences over a period of more than 20 years.

“A prison sentence such as this will prevent him from causing further harm and distress in the local community, and I hope that this outcome will reassure the public that we will target and prosecute those who seek to commit offences such as these.”