A FORMER service station manager who robbed his previous employer for £4,000 in an attempt to halt a spiralling debt crisis has been jailed, after being identified by his voice and the way he walks.

Nathan Jones, of King Henry V Drive, Monmouth, was said to have been “desperate for a solution” to his debt problems after his partner left him, and decided that robbing Raglan Services, where he used to work in the Esso service station as a deputy manager, was the answer.

Wearing a pair of tracksuit bottoms over his face with eye holes cut out to cover his face, and plastic bags on his feet, in an attempt to hide his shoes, he threatened former colleague Leigh Strawford with a metal bar during the raid, but was foiled when she recognised his personal characteristics and the fact he knew exactly where the money was kept.

Newport Crown Court heard that the incident occurred on February 24 of this year, and left Jones’ former colleague Ms Strawford “in bits”. He had told her he wouldn’t hurt her if she didn’t call police for 45 minutes after he left.

In a victim statement read out by prosecuting barrister Sam Shepherd, Ms Strawford said she regularly works nights and was alone at 3.45am when 23-year-old Jones entered the shop.

She said: “He knew I was working that night which made the situation worse. I can’t understand why someone I thought I knew could do this.

“I feel further frustrated he knew it was me working. This job was a form of rehabilitation to me. Nathan Jones sabotaged that.”

Speaking to the judge, Mr Shepherd added: “It became obvious to Ms Strawford he knew what he was doing, he went straight for the cupboard in the staff area for the money instead of the till.”

Defending Jones, Sarah Iles said that the robbery took place due to a relationship breakdown and a large amount of debt. She added that Jones was remorseful for his actions and wrote a letter of apology to Ms Strawford.

It was also said the robbery was amateur and had little or no planning at all because Jones used items lying around his car, like the tracksuit bottoms, to carry out the offence.

Ms Iles added: “Following the breakdown of his long-term relationship of three and a half years with his partner, he was left with a number of outstanding debts.

“There was a build-up and it spiralled out of control. He had been let go from his job after being sick for a few days. He was driving round to collect his thoughts late on that night of February 24 when he had the idea to go to the service station.

“He described that night as the biggest mistake of his life. He pleaded guilty at the earliest moment.”

It was heard that Nathan Jones was of good character and had no previous convictions.

Judge QC Rouch said: “You chose the premises because you previously worked there. You knew that the only person working there would have been Ms Strawford.

“This offence is so serious. You produced a metal bar and it had a very serious psychological impact on Ms Strawford.”

Jones was sentenced to three years and four months in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170.