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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Dave Finlay

Hapless Edinburgh robber tried to hold up local newsagent in botched raid

A robber armed with a gun and knife failed in a bid to get cash after a shopkeeper bravely fought back during a raid on his premises.

David McKenzie, 35, staged an attempted robbery at the shop in the Granton area of Edinburgh but was met with resistance by Khalid Mehmood.

McKenzie, nicknamed 'Crackers', donned a balaclava and brandished the weapons at Mr Mehmood before demanding money, but got into a struggle with his victim before fleeing.

Read more - Hero Edinburgh bar tender sheltered scared families fleeing terrifying flat fire

The failed robber, who is currently in Addiewell jail, in West Lothian, had denied assaulting Mr Mehmood, 65, and attempting to rob him of a sum of money on October 10 in 2021 at West Granton Superstore, in West Granton Road.

But he was found guilty on Thursday of the crime by a jury at the High Court in Edinburgh following a trial in which he did not give evidence in his own defence.

McKenzie was also convicted of possessing a knife and possessing a firearm with intent to cause the shopkeeper to believe unlawful violence would be used against him. A judge told him he had been convicted of "very serious charges" involving violence and the use of weapons.

Lady Haldane said that he had "a considerable record" of previous offending, including crimes of violence and the use of a weapon but had now been convicted in the High Court for the first time.

The judge told McKenzie: "This represents a serious escalation in your offending behaviour."

The court heard that prior to the abortive morning raid on the shop McKenzie had been in the premises just days earlier.

McKenzie was later detained after police, including armed officers, went to a flat in Granton. During a search at the address they recovered a gun and balaclava.

Lady Haldane deferred sentence on him until next month for the preparation of a background report.

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