Armed raider is jailed

Derby Crown Court heard how he challenged burglar Cal Lomas who had been freed from prison only 16 days before returning to Chesterfield.

Takeaway boss Cuunming Yan demanded to know what Lomas was doing and was told “he was looking for someone” in the Oto Kuda restaurant.

Laura Pitman, prosecuting, said: “The defendant didn’t seem sure what he was saying. Mr Yan told him to leave and the defendant walked off, not gesturing with the knife.”

Mr Yan found two staff members’ jackets were missing, according to the court, and failed attempts had been made to get into the office after the incident on January 31 which had left the lock damaged.

A ten-month prison sentence was ordered for Lomas, 27, of The Crescent, Brimington, Chesterfield. He admitted burglary and having a blade in public.

Judge Ebrahim Mooncey described the knife as “huge” and said police found a second one hidden in his clothing. Both had been taken from the restaurant.

Mr Mooncey told Lomas: “Mr Yan bravely didn’t run away. No doubt he was very frightened. He told you to leave and fortunately you did,”

Lomas was later seen with a knife in the Portland pub. A customer took this off him and police were alerted.

Mr Mooncey added: “It must be frightening for members of the public to see someone carrying a knife when they are not in control of themselves. Anything can happen.”

Joe Harvey, mitigating, said: “Lomas’ last recollection was that he wanted to get something to eat. The next was waking up in a prison cell.”

The court heard that when Lomas had too much to drink he suffered blackouts and, according to Mr Harvey, he does not want to live a life where criminal behaviour is a regular occurrence.