Masked knifeman Mark McCormack, from Birtley, robbed kebab shop twice in three days

Mark McCormack has been convicted of stealing cash from the Casa Rosa Kebab Shop in Gateshead last summer.

The first robbery was on August 27 when the 31-year-old entered the takeaway on Durham Road wearing a skull mask balaclava.

He threatened staff with a ten-inch kitchen knife before making off with about £200 but nobody was injured.

Three days later McCormack walked onto the forecourt of a nearby Jet garage wearing the same mask and threatened a customer with a knife.

Newcastle Crown Court was told how the victim was able to get into their vehicle and the robber fled the scene empty handed.

But just minutes later McCormack burst into the same kebab shop he had robbed just days before and threatened staff with the knife.

The masked robber was able to make off with about £800 in cash before he ran away and staff contacted police.

Armed officers were deployed to the area and within hours McCormack was in custody after being arrested at an address in Birtley.

He was later charged with two counts of robbery and an armed robbery but denied the offences against him.

Now, McCormack, of George Street, Birtley, is facing jail after being convicted of all counts on Friday following a trial at Newcastle Crown Count.

Following the conviction, investigating officer Detective Constable Craig Austin said: "I am glad that the jury have seen through Mark McCormack's lies and that his victims have seen justice done.

"These robberies were terrifying experiences for them, particularly for the staff at the takeaway that was targeted twice.

"They have shown great courage throughout these proceedings and even gave evidence to the court during the trial.

"There is no place for this type of mindless violence in society and when these offences do take place we will relentlessly pursue those responsible.”

McCormack was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court on April 8.