Three criminals tied up a shop assistant and threatened to slash his throat in a botched robbery in Notts.

Andrew Wheelhouse, 31, David Mura, 26, and Guramit Singh Kalirai, 31, went into gardening shop Simply Hydro, in Wigwam Lane, Hucknall, at about 12.30pm on Thursday, May 2, with the intention of raiding it. They attacked a shop assistant, pinned him to the ground and threatened to slash his throat if he did not give them money.

Police were called when workers at neighbouring businesses heard shouting. Officers arrived a few minutes later and found Mura, of Albert Avenue, Stapleford, hiding in a wall partition. He was arrested at the scene. Detective Inspector Rich Monk praised the quick-thinking of the staff at nearby firms.

“This was a planned attack on a business premises during opening hours,” he said. “Thankfully, no one was seriously injured. The actions and brave assistance provided by staff at nearby businesses resulted in the robbery being thwarted and an offender being arrested.”

Although the other two raiders fled the scene, officers tracked down Wheelhouse, of Alfreton, and Kalirai, of Ullswater Crescent, Bramcote. They were both arrested.

The trio stood trial at Nottingham Crown Court and were found guilty of attempted robbery. All three were sent to prison on Tuesday.

Kalirai absconded ahead of the trial and was sentenced to six-and-a-half-years in prison in his absence. A warrant is out for his arrest.

Wheelhouse was jailed for five-and-a-half-years and Mura was sentenced to three years and three months.

Detective Inspector Monk added: “I would also like to thank the officers and staff involved in the investigation who worked tirelessly in bringing the three to justice. Inquires are continuing to locate Kalarai. I would urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward so that he can be brought before the court.”

Anyone with information about Kalarai should contact Notts Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Nottingham Post, 26 September 2013