Armed robber jailed over Kirkcaldy petrol station raid

A robber who held up a petrol station was caught by police because he was a regular customer there.

Ryan Geddes was armed with a knife when he stole cash from the BP garage in Kirkcaldy in February.

The 30-year-old told manager Ayaz Mahmood before he fled: “If you call police, I will come back and hurt you.”

The High Court in Glasgow heard how Mr Mahmood recognised Geddes because he often came into the petrol station.

Geddes also lived only half a mile away. He was traced but initially denied being the culprit.

Debt-ridden Geddes later said: “I would be better off in jail anyway with the amount I owe.”

He was jailed for four and a half years after he pleaded guilty to assault and robbery.

Judge Lord Bannatyne said retail staff “deserved protection” from criminals like Geddes.