I’ll not let them beat me...
BANDIT TRASHED COIN SHOP AND PULLED A GUN OUT
BATTERED, bruised but defiant – coin shop owner Graham Donkin has vowed to carry on trading after a bandit threatened to shoot him.
Mr Donkin was in his store, Newcastle Coin Dealers, when the raider came in claiming to be a customer.
The would-be robber had phoned Mr Donkin earlier in the day and said he wanted to have a collection of coins valued.
He arrived at the shop on Nile Street, in North Shields, at around 4.30pm on Saturday – half an hour before closing time – and asked the businessman to bring down the shutters.
He also showed him a gun, which is believed to be fake, and threatened to shoot the shopkeeper.
After Mr Donkin refused to cooperate, the suspect went through the counter and attacked him.
There was a struggle, during which both men were injured and the shop was left trashed.
The offender eventually fled empty handed.
Now, Mr Donkin, 41, said although he was shocked by the ordeal, he will continue to run his business as usual.
He added: “I was taken to hospital, they performed some X-rays.
“At the end of the day all I’ve got is black eyes, a sore neck, a sore nose, things like that. I escaped relatively unharmed.
“Never feel the less I a little more paranoid than usual and I feel that for someone to threaten my life and my livelihood in this way is extremely disappointing.
“But I hope to continue as previously and hope that he’s brought to justice.”
The police are investigating the attempted robbery and have made an appeal for witnesses.
The suspect was carrying two suitcases and was wearing a flat cap, glasses, dark blazer and cream trousers.
He was in his late 30s to 40s and had a noticeable cut to his head.
Anyone who can help should contact police on 101 quoting log 813 04/11/17.
I feel that for someone to threaten my life and my livelihood in this way is extremely disappointing