Rebecca Nielson was working at a First Choice store in the city centre when Hayek Madoyan entered on July 26, 2006 and announced to the travel consultant: “This is a raid.”
The incident was one of a spate of robberies at travel agencies and bureau de change stores across the UK committed by Madoyan between May 2006 and December 2007 from which he stole £82,500, WalesOnline reported.
Hull Crown Court heard that due to his thick accent Nielson believed he was asking “What is the rate?” and gave him a compliments slip to write down what he was saying.
Madoyan, 43, wrote: “This is armed robbery. Hand over all the cash,” and placed the note against the counter window - telling the travel agent: “Now do you understand?”
Nielson told the court she laughed and told the robber “No” before activating the store’s panic alarm, WalesOnline reported.
Madoyan then produced a gun, demanding: “Hand it over now,” after which Nielson replied: “I said can’t give you the money. It’s not mine.”
After fleeing the store with an unknown amount of money, Madoyan later travelled to Switzerland in 2008 before being extradited back to the UK in 2015.
After a four-week trial at Hull Crown Court he was convicted of 16 offences including five charges of robbery, including three of attempted robbery, and eight of possessing an imitation firearm.
He was jailed for 16 years yesterday (August 3).
His accomplice, Viktor Gailius, 54, of Northampton, was found guilty and jailed for nine months on one charge of converting criminal property by sending £9,000 to Madoyan’s relatives overseas.
Appearing for Madoyan, Jeremy Lindsay said: “One can appreciate the nature of the experience for the women in this case was highly frightening in any circumstances.
“It is precious little consolation to say that only one witness had to have counselling after the robberies.
Upon sentencing, Judge David Tremberg told Madoyan: “I have no doubt you left a lasting emotional impact on your victims.
“You risked causing serious emotional harm and have done so.”
