Jailed for three years, the crybaby shop thief
A CRYBABY armed robber who burst into tears during a grocery shop raid has been locked up for three years.
Jessie Hall, 19, apologised to victims for putting them through the ordeal after he threatened to stab two workers unless cash was handed over.
He wielded a large kitchen knife before escaping with £400.
But when police traced him to a nearby house he clambered on to the roof and threw slates at officers.
Hall raided the Spar store in Blyth, Northumberland, last November after picking up a sandwich, some beer and asking for scratchcards.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that he then produced the knife and demanded the money from the till.
But his mood changed as a terrified member of staff handed over the cash.
Michael Bunch, prosecuting, said: “He appeared to become distressed toward the end, starting to cry, telling the staff he was sorry. He explained he was sick of his life and needed the money.” Hall’s victims were badly affected by their ordeal, the court heard.
One said: “It is the first time I have been threatened by someone with a knife. I won’t forget the words, ‘I’m going to stab you’.”
Nigel Hedley, defending, told the court that Hall has mental health problems and claimed to be suicidal when he climbed on to the roof.
Mr Hedley said: “He was crying when he was in the store, he was crying when actually committing the offence.”
Judge Tim Gittins told Hall: “No one should have to suffer facing a knife when they are simply doing their work, especially someone doing a public service of keeping a local shop going.”
Hall admitted robbery, affray, £2,500 criminal damage to the roof and possessing a bladed weapon.