Armed robber dressed as witch jailed

A man who disguised himself in a 'witch outfit' with a machete in his handbag has been given a life-sentence for carrying out a terrifying armed in a supermarket.

Nicholas Overton, 39, donned a long black robe, blonde wig and pointed hat as a disguise when he walked into the Co-op store in Newport on 7th July.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the serial robber had travelled from London and pulled out a machete during the raid.

He pleaded guilty to robbery, having an offensive weapon and dangerous driving, and must serve a minimum of four years.

The court heard Overton's "appalling" criminal record shows sentences for more than 20 robberies.

The latest incident was captured on CCTV and Overton made off with a quantity of cash but he was caught after two shoppers recorded the registration of his Vauxhall Vectra.

The defendant was followed doing 70mph (112kmh) in a 30mph (48kmh) zone and a stinger was used to burst the car's tyres.

Overton was found hiding in the corner of a garden in Caerleon.

Hilary Roberts, defending, said his client had an addiction to class A drugs, which had been "the scourge" of his life.

Sentencing Judge Jeremy Jenkins said he was in no doubt Overton was a "dangerous offender" who posed a significant risk of harm

He was given a life sentence with a minimum of four years, and after his release he will remain on licence for the rest of his life.

A MAN who disguised himself in a 'witch outfit' with a machete in his handbag, before carrying out a terrifying robbery at a Newport shop, has been given a life-sentence.