A man who carried out a violent machete robbery in Preston has been sentenced to nine years and six months in prison. The offender, 25-year-old Joshua Tattersall of Ambleside Road in Ribbleton, launched a string of four attempted and successful shop raids in the space of just 20 minutes. Lancashire Police said Tattersall’s actions left staff and shoppers terrified as he brandished a large machete and demanded cash.
Tattersall began his spree on the evening of 14 April 2024, entering the first store at 18:39 BST while wearing a balaclava. He demanded that the shop assistant open the till, but fled when the shopkeeper raised the alarm. Within minutes he entered a second shop, again threatening the staff. This time, the victim’s quick response prevented any loss, as they shouted for help and Tattersall ran from the scene.
Only a few minutes later, he targeted a third store. Lancashire Police reported that the shop owner shouted for someone to call the police, causing Tattersall to abandon that attempt as well. The spree culminated five minutes later when he entered a fourth shop, threatening the person behind the counter and making off with £100 in cash. The entire series of events took place between 18:39 and 18:59 BST, a concentrated period of violence that left lasting psychological effects on those involved.
Following an investigation by Preston CID, Tattersall was arrested and later charged with possession of an offensive weapon, robbery, and three counts of attempted robbery. He denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury at Burnley Crown Court in July. On sentencing, the judge handed down a prison term of nine years and six months, reflecting both the seriousness and the intensity of the offences.
In a victim impact statement read in court, one shop worker described the terror they felt when confronted by Tattersall and his weapon. “I remember the offender walking in and thinking, is this really happening? But when I saw the weapon I recognised that it was really happening. I felt scared. He was so close to me and the weapon was so big. I knew he could have easily reached me and seriously hurt me.” The statement reflected the sense of vulnerability and shock experienced by those caught in the brief but alarming incidents.
Detective Constable Ben Clegg of Preston CID said that Tattersall’s actions had caused deep fear among both shop workers and local residents. “No-one should go to work, or pop to the shops and end up being threatened. Tattersall made a choice that day to go out for his own selfish gain and scare people,” he said. Clegg added that he welcomed the lengthy prison sentence, noting, “I hope the knowledge that he has been brought to justice will allow them some comfort and to begin to move forward with their lives.”
Police confirmed that Tattersall’s attacks were entirely unprovoked and motivated by financial desperation. Although his total haul amounted to only £100, the scale of the fear and disruption he caused was significant. Officers emphasised the bravery of the shop workers who raised alarms and shouted for help despite being faced with a weapon.
The machete robbery in Preston has drawn attention to the pressures faced by retail workers and small business owners dealing with rising levels of violence and theft. Lancashire Police said they remain committed to protecting local communities and ensuring that offenders like Tattersall face the full consequences of their actions.
Tattersall’s imprisonment marks the end of a case that shook shopkeepers in the city but also demonstrated the effectiveness of swift reporting and coordinated policing. Officers praised the quick thinking of victims, whose immediate reactions prevented further harm. While the events lasted only a matter of minutes, the emotional impact will likely remain for much longer.
