A man responsible for a series of armed robberies in West Lothian has been jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh today.
Paul Edward Gibson was sentenced to six years in prison for various offences in 2011 and 2012.
The 37-year-old, who was convicted in July of six incidents at convenience stores in Eliburn, Dedridge, Deans and Armadale, will also be subject to lifelong restrictions.
On each occasion Gibson presented a knife and threatened staff before demanding money.
With the exception of the store in Eliburn, he was able to leave with large sums of cash.
In total Gibson stole over £14,000 from the shops he targeted.
His conviction and subsequent sentence was the result of a significant investigation by police in West Lothian, who today welcomed news of the prison term Gibson will face.
Detective Chief Inspector John Wyllie, who led the Operation Fleet investigation said: “Paul Gibson showed complete contempt for the public of West Lothian and in particular the staff within the various stores, whom he subjected to a series of terrifying ordeals, with his threatening behaviour and use of knives.
“The shops he targeted were all small convenience stores serving their local communities and he was able to make off with thousands of pounds as a result of his crimes.
“The investigation was carried out by a team of dedicated officers and our enquiries were assisted by excellent support from the public of West Lothian.
“I would like to pay particular tribute to the witnesses in the case, many of whom have been left deeply affected by Gibson’s actions, and hope that today’s sentence brings some comfort to them.
“Police Scotland and the Crown Office are committed to bringing those who carry knives and other weapons to justice and today’s sentence should send a clear message that violent crime will not be tolerated.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
