A DANGEROUS raider who tried to hold up a Bradford post office has been given an extended prison sentence.

Andrew McKinley, 41, who was armed with a metal bar, was foiled by the courage and quick-thinking of the postmistress, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Andrew Horton told the court that McKinley struck at the Paradise Green post office, in Clayton Road, Bradford, which is also a convenience store, at 3.15pm on February 22.

The post office manager and store owner, 38-year-old Tahira Bostan, was working behind the counter when the defendant and an unidentified accomplice entered. Both had their faces covered and were wearing gloves.

McKinley, of Sunbridge Road, Bradford, was carrying a metal bar and had a rucksack round his neck. He tried to open the door to get access to the counter, but Mrs Bostan pushed it closed and sounded the alarm. The men ran off and escaped in a getaway car.

Mr Horton said a witness took the car’s registration and less than two hours later the stolen Alfa Romeo 65-plate was seen by police, being driven towards Huddersfield by McKinley.

During a seven-minute pursuit, he reached speeds of over 60mph.

During the pursuit, another motorist had to drive on to the pavement to avoid a head-on collision with McKinley. He also drove into a mini roundabout on the wrong side of the road, and went the wrong side of bollards.

A second police vehicle joined the chase and at one point the officer had to slow down as McKinley drove over speed bumps at 50mph, because the speed was unsafe and was making the car unstable.

Eventually, the Alfa Romeo was forced to stop and one of the police vehicles drove behind him, but McKinley reversed and rammed the police car. He was then blocked in by both police cars and pulled from the driver’s seat.

The defendant was arrested. He was wearing gloves that matched the robbery. A metal bar was found in the footwell of the car and a rucksack was recovered containing another bar and a hammer.

McKinley’s barrister, Howard Shaw, said it was frightening and distressing for the postmistress, but no violence was used or threats made. His client had told doctors that his wish was to be shot by armed officers and he had been diagnosed with a personality disorder.

Sentencing him to four years’ jail, with an extended two years on his licence, Judge Jonathan Rose told McKinley, who admitted attempted robbery and dangerous driving, the courage and swiftness of Mrs Bostan had prevented a violent act. He said he was a dangerous man.

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