Man jailed for burglary and robbery in Eastbourne

A robber who threatened and assaulted a shop worker in Eastbourne has been jailed.

Edward Bunce targeted the Post Office in Seaside.

He lunged towards a shop worker with a knife and stole money from the premises.

But he left his baseball hat behind which carried his DNA.

His DNA also linked him to a burglary committed at a business premises in Hawthorn Road.

At Lewes Crown Court on June 7, Bunce admitted burglary and robbery.

Bunce, 37, of Etchingham Road, Eastbourne, was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison.

The court heard how the first incident, the burglary in Hawthorn Road, happened on November 12 last year.

A shop window was smashed, but blood was found at the scene that matched Bunce’s DNA.

Then on December 1 last year he robbed the Post Office and stole a large quantity of cash.

The victim was left shaken by the incident.

Speaking after the case, investigating officer Detective Constable Marcus Cox said: “Bunce carried out a violent robbery on a community shop.

“No shop worker should have to face violence and theft.

“He had previously entered a business premises the month before where he left DNA at the scene.

“This case demonstrates our determination to catch Bunce and ensure a dangerous criminal is no longer on our streets.”