Man warned he faces ‘significant’ jail term for attacking trader

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A MORETON-IN-MARSH man burst into a Cheltenham store, armed with a knife, and set upon the shopkeeper, a court has heard.

The “nasty incident” at Albion Stores, in Albion Street, Cheltenham, on May 5 this year, was captured on CCTV, which was shown at Gloucester Crown Court.

Anthony Smith, pictured, aged 22, of Stockwell Road, Moreton-in-marsh, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rob and to possessing a bladed article – a knife – in a public place.

The attack, which involved Smith grappling with the victim for more than two minutes, only ended when security officers entered the shop and separated the pair.

Defending barrister, Nicholas Clough, said: “There are underlying issues here and my client has learning difficulties. He had been drinking that night.”

Prosecuting barrister, Janine Wood, said: “It was a nasty incident but fortunately the victim suffered no injury.

“But as the defendant is of previous good character I think that a full pre-sentence report is necessary.”

His Honour Judge Ian Lawrie QC said: “He is going to custody for a significant period of time but the only issue is for how long.

“The attack was prolonged. Assault with intent to rob, especially when a knife is involved, is a very serious offence.”

Judge Lawrie ordered that a pre-sentence report be prepared and he granted Smith conditional bail until August 15, when the defendant will learn his fate.

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