Knife-wielding addict chased store worker in ‘terrifying’ robbery
RAIDER WAVED LARGE KITCHEN BLADE AT VICTIM AND LUNGED AT HIM
A KNIFE-wielding cocaine addict chased a shop worker in a bid to get money for his £100-a-day habit.
Scott Wright, 24, of Hargrave Street in Grimsby, was desperate for money when he entered a convenience shop on Gilbey Road. He waved a large kitchen knife at the worker and lunged forwards, chasing him around the shelves. The worker was able get behind the counter and close a security barrier, picking up a bottle of alcohol to defend himself. Wright smashed the screen of a cash machine in anger, causing £2,500 worth of damage.
As he left, he picked up a bottle of Schnapps valued at £11.99. When police arrived at the scene minutes later on January 14, they arrested Wright who was standing across the road from the shop. Clothing worn during the robbery, the stolen bottle and the knife were all found during a search of his home address. Grimsby Crown Court heard how Wright had developed a crack cocaine addiction which had escalated in recent years to the point where he needed £100 a day.
A text message from him to his girlfriend shortly after the robbery read: “What have I done? I wanted a money, not a bottle.” Lauren Fisher, defending, said: “Mr Wright has been on a downward journey of addiction.
“He has accepted his wrongdoing and has shown remorse. “He first took crack cocaine when he was 21, and in his words it got ‘completely out of control’ when he was 22 to 23. He required £100 a day.
“He relied on his father for this money, but was asked to leave his house in October due to his behaviour and was homeless for several months.
“During this time, he took more and more drugs and was suicidal on occasion.
“He knows his behaviour was ‘disgusting’, and the worker in the shop was only doing his job. “His partner is currently pregnant with twins, and he will miss both her pregnancy and the birth, which he is finding very difficult.”
While in custody, Wright was able to get clean and is receiving mental health support. He pleaded guilty to robbery and criminal damage, and was sentenced to four years in prison.
At the time of the offence, Wright was on conditional discharge for stealing a wallet from a friend’s house with £430 in cash.
Judge Kelson QC said: “The rob
You walked in with that awful knife and chased the manager, who was lucky he wasn’t stabbed.
Judge Kelson
bery must have been a terrifying experience for the victim. “Corner shops are part of the lifeblood of our society, open all hours, and employees need to know that the courts are on their side and will protect them.
“You walked in with that awful knife and chased the manager, who was lucky he wasn’t stabbed.
“You were so angry you stabbed the cash machine, causing damage that cost £2,500 to repair. “This was a very serious incident.”