Man jailed for 'shocking' KFC armed robbery

A 30-year old man who robbed a KFC in Belfast whilst armed with a knife has been jailed for the "shocking" incident.

Ryan Johnston, from Millburn Close in Carryduff, was handed a sentence of four years and four months which was divided equally between prison and licence.

The judge at Belfast Crown Court was told that the defendant entered the KFC outlet on the Saintfield Road on the afternoon 5 May 2023.

Johnston, who was residing at the nearby Knockbracken Hospital, then brandished a knife and demanded cash.

The prosecuting barrister told the court the defendant then jumped over the counter and walked into the kitchen area.

He said Johnston's actions caused one employee to flee via the drive-through window, whilst another member of staff exited through a back door and sought refuge in his car.

The incident was captured on CCTV and a team leader - who can be seen appearing to try and calm Johnston down - was forced to hand over cash from both tills and from a safe in the office.

After he left the KFC, Johnston was followed by customers in their cars as he made his way back to the hospital grounds.

The defence barrister said his client had a long-standing history of serious mental health issues including paranoid schizophrenia and a personality disorder which have resulted in him being sectioned several times.

Saying his client was "almost institutionalised", the barrister spoke of Johnston's substance abuse which he acknowledged was "not assisting his mental wellbeing."

He also pointed out that as well as pleading guilty to the offence of robbery, Johnston was "completely candid" with a probation officer about the incident which left him feeling "disgusted and ashamed of himself."

Judge Patricia Smyth said she had watched CCTV footage of the incident which she described as "shocking".

The Judge added: "It is absolutely understandable that being subjected to this kind of a incident does have long-term consequences for working people."

Addressing Johnston - who has 40 previous convictions - the Judge told him: "I hope you will think about those members of staff who suffered."

Citing the defendant's psychiatric history as "complex", Judge Smyth said Johnston's mental health problems were worsened by his "extensive" and "consistent" cocaine use.

She also noted his "struggles" whilst living in the community and his numerous periods as a hospital inpatient.

After imposing the sentence, Judge Smyth said that prior to Johnston's release from prison the Parole Commissioners must ensure that "suitable accommodation which meets his very particular needs is identified and made available".