One Stop raider caught out by his Minnie Mouse gloves has jail term cut
A robber who was caught out by the Minnie Mouse gloves he wore when raiding a Black Country shop has had his jail term slashed by judges.
Shane Trevor Hadlington, 27, of no fixed abode, was jailed for six years at Wolverhampton Crown Court on April 8 after he and an accomplice raided a convenience store in the Black Country.
Hadlington and another man pulled up at the One Stop store on a motorbike in Bourne Street, Coseley on August 15 last year.
Like any convenience store it was 'vulnerable to robbery', Mr Justice Hickinbottom told London's Appeal Court.
It had been raided no less than three times in the previous 18 months, he added.
The second man, who has not been caught, grabbed a shop assistant and marched her through the shop to a backroom store.
He then picked up a metal bar and made a second member of staff unlock a cabinet and fill a duvet cover full of the cigarettes and spirits.
Meanwhile, Hadlington filled a bag full of cigarettes and alcohol from the shelves.
He stayed on the shop floor and 'did not know precisely' what was happening in the back of the shop.
The duo left after three minutes with £3,700 worth of swag.
Hadlington was identified by a 'Dad' tattoo on his arm and the distinctive Minnie Mouse gloves, which were later found at his home.
He denied taking part in the raid, saying he was in hospital having treatment at the time.
But the jury did not believe him and he was convicted of robbery.
He had 16 previous convictions for 64 crimes, the court heard.
The majority were for taking vehicles without consent and stealing cars as well as one robbery and burglary.
Lawyers for Hadlington argued his jail term was far too tough considering his lesser role in the crime.
The judge who jailed him gave 'too much weight' to his criminal record, they added.
Mr Justice Hickinbottom said there was 'considerable force' in those arguments.
It was a 'serious offence committed by a young man with a considerable criminal record'.
But the 'sentence imposed was too high and manifestly so', added the judge. Hadlington's jail term was reduced to four-and-a-half years.
