Two men were today behind bars after a jury convicted them of a botched armed robbery at a Bradford post office.

Hugh Munro, 48, of Wakefield Row, Wakefield, and Mark Reynolds, 39, of Harewood Avenue, Chequerfield, Pontefract, were found guilty of attempted robbery and having an imitation firearm with intent.

Bradford Crown Court heard that the pair targeted Thornton Post Office, in Kipping Lane, armed with an imitation handgun and a rock.

Recorder of Bradford, Judge James Stewart QC, told Munro, who has convictions for robbery and arson, he was thinking of locking him up indefinitely as a public danger.

Munro and Reynolds threatened shop manager Brian Cussons and temporary postmaster James Gibbons on October 16 last year.

They fled empty handed after the panic alarm went off.

Mr Cussons told the jury a black handgun was pointed at him when the two raiders struck, disguised in white forensic-type suits and dust masks.

Reynolds stood in the doorway waving the ‘gun’ at Mr Cussons while Munro ran round to the Post Office area and shattered the reinforced glass with the rock wrapped in a pillow case.

Munro ordered Mr Cussons to open his till and shook it himself to try to get at the money.

DNA evidence linked Reynolds to a dust mask found nearby and blood on the cloth wrapping the rock matched Munro’s.

Judge Stewart today adjourned sentence so that the probation service can examine the degree of danger Munro poses to the public.

The judge said he is considering Imprisonment for Public Protection, meaning Munro could not be freed unless the parole board is satisfied he is no longer a risk.

They were remanded in custody until August 12.