A robber who carried out two terrifying raids in three days is behind bars.
Matthew Sharkey was today jailed for six years and eight months for the crimes in Ayr, South Ayrshire.
Sharkey struck at the Libby's convenience store in the town – while wearing a “moon boot” for his injured leg.
He had an axe as he told a female worker: “Give me all the money – it is not a joke.”
Sharkey soon escaped with £2787 on March 1 this year.
Police went on to find the “moon boot” ditched close to the scene.
Sharkey later told officers he had a leg protector following a sprained ankle.
But, he insisted he had not worn it at the time.
Sharkey then robbed Ayr's Crumbs and Cocktails bar three days later.
The 29 year-old initially ordered a can of Vimto and chatted with another customer.
But, he then sneaked up to a barmaid stating: “Give me everything you have and no one will get hurt.”
She believed Sharkey was armed with a weapon.
The young woman claimed she had to go to the cellar – it was there she tried dialling 999.
But, Sharkey eventually got his hands on £159 after confronting the barmaid again.
As he left, he told her: “Don't do anything stupid...good girl.”
Two men playing pool in the pub became aware of the robbery and chased Sharkey.
The thug pointed an air pistol at them as well as at police, who arrived on the scene.
Firearms officers eventually stopped Sharkey.
The hearing was told the raid had a “very upsetting” effect on the barmaid.
Euan Cameron, defending, said Sharkey struck after falling out with his ex-lover.
It emerged Sharkey had previously been jailed for five years for robbery in Blackpool.
Lord Mullholland told him: “You subjected the people to a terrifying experience when all they were doing was trying to earn an honest living.”
