Tunbridge Wells robber jailed after officers recognised tattoo

An armed thief’s distinctive hand tattoo has helped officers prove he was responsible for robbing a Tunbridge Wells shop.

Archie Pattullo was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail after he threatened a shopkeeper in the High Brooms area.

At around 10.30pm on 30 June 2025, Pattullo entered a convenience store wearing a face covering. He cornered a member of staff behind the till while brandishing a knife, demanded money, and left with approximately £1,800 in cash.

Officers attended the scene and recovered CCTV, with a constable reviewing the footage recognising the suspect’s hand tattoo. Teams attempted to arrest him at his home address in Chestnut Close, but Pattullo had fled.

While tracking him down, officers seized clothing from the bin of a neighbouring property which matched the hoodie, T shirt, and trainers he was wearing when caught on camera.

Pattullo was later arrested in Brighton on 4 July and a review of his seized mobile phone revealed messages in which he bragged to a friend about having a large quantity of cash from ‘a job’.

He was charged the following day with robbery and possession of a bladed article. The 26 year old pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 25 February 2026.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Celia King, said:

‘Pattullo threatened his victim causing him extreme distress, all for the sake of lining his pockets. ‘The investigating team were able to draw upon their knowledge of the area and those persons of interest and by identifying Pattullo’s distinctive hand tattoo were quickly able to identify him as the suspect. ‘Despite fleeing to another town in another county, he was tracked down by Kent Police and brought to justice, which shows how relentless we are when it comes to pursuing criminals.’