Sittingbourne Man Jailed for Six Years Over Petrol Station Robbery with Imitation Firearm

Sittingbourne Man Jailed for Six Years Over Petrol Station Robbery with Imitation Firearm

A 35-year-old from Bapchild threatened petrol station workers in Sittingbourne with an imitation firearm during a robbery last October and has been sentenced to over six years in prison.

View tweet from @kent_police

The Night That Changed Everything

Michael Pollock walked into a petrol station on London Road, Sittingbourne, at around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, 12 October 2025. The 35-year-old from Blossom Street in Bapchild threatened two workers with an imitation firearm during what would become a robbery that landed him behind bars.

Kent Police confirmed Pollock has been jailed for six years and two months following his conviction. The sentence reflects the serious nature of armed robbery offences under UK law.

The Charges and Conviction

Pollock faced two charges following the incident. He was charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

The case was investigated by Swale CID. Kent Police’s successful prosecution sends a clear message about the consequences of threatening retail workers with weapons – even imitation ones.

A Growing Problem

The Sittingbourne incident highlights broader concerns about retail crime across Kent. Police recorded 1,248 robbery offences in the county in the year ending September 2025.

Firearm offences, including those involving imitations, totalled 142 in the same period according to Kent Police crime statistics. Petrol stations remain especially vulnerable targets due to their late opening hours and cash handling.

But this conviction shows Kent Police take such crimes seriously.

The Human Cost

Two petrol station workers faced the terrifying experience of being threatened at gunpoint during their shift. The psychological impact of such incidents often lasts long after the physical threat has passed.

Retail workers across Kent face increasing risks from opportunistic criminals who target shops and petrol stations. The London Road incident highlights the dangers frontline staff encounter.

Key Takeaways

Michael Pollock, 35, from Bapchild, jailed for six years and two months for armed robbery

The incident occurred at 9:30 p.m. on 12 October 2025 at a London Road petrol station

Kent Police recorded 1,248 robbery offences countywide in the year ending September 2025

What This Means for Kent Residents

This conviction demonstrates that Kent Police will pursue the full force of the law against anyone who threatens retail workers with weapons. Residents should remain vigilant around petrol stations and shops, especially during evening hours when such incidents are more likely to occur. Anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour should report it immediately via 999 for emergencies or 101 for non-urgent concerns, helping protect the frontline workers who serve our communities daily.

Source: @kent_police

Published: 30 March 2026