CHESTER, UK — A man and woman have been sentenced for staging a fake armed robbery at a health and wellbeing store in Congleton, stealing nearly £8,000 in the process.
Patricia Marlborough, 28, and Kristian Bramah, 29, were sentenced on Wednesday at Chester Crown Court for their roles in the elaborate hoax, which took place at Holland and Barrett on 16 August 2021.
Marlborough initially claimed she had been working alone when a masked man entered the store and threatened her with a knife, forcing her to open the safe. She alleged that the attacker tied her hand with cable ties before fleeing with the money.
However, investigators later discovered the incident had been staged by Marlborough and Bramah, who were in a relationship at the time. Bramah was identified through DNA evidence, ANPR camera footage, and mobile phone data, all of which linked him to the scene.
The deception extended further when Marlborough submitted a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, hoping to profit even more from the fabricated attack.
Marlborough, of Hough Lane, Hyde, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, perverting the course of justice, and fraud by false representation. She received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work along with a 25-day rehabilitation requirement.
Bramah, of Plane Court, Salford, admitted to conspiracy to steal and possession of a knife in a public place. He received a 16-month suspended sentence and must also complete a 25-day rehabilitation programme.
Detective Constable Sarah Sayer condemned the pair’s actions:
“Marlborough and Bramah carefully planned the robbery with the intent of making as much money as possible. Not only did they steal almost £8,000, but Marlborough even had the audacity to seek compensation.
“Their selfish actions wasted valuable police time and resources that could have gone toward helping real victims.”
