Shoplifter who threatened store staff jailed for 16 months

A man who threatened a shopworker with a screw while stealing tequila has been sent to prison for 16 months.

Benjamin Smith, aged 34, was arrested by Northamptonshire Police after the incident at the Aldi store in Stanier Close, Kettering, on January 28 this year.

Having entered the store, Smith was seen picking up and concealing several bottles of alcohol. As he left without making payment, he threatened the staff member while holding a screw.

Officers later arrested Smith in the town’s High Street, where a search also revealed he was carrying a Stanley knife blade.

He went on to be charged with robbery, threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place, theft and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed object in public, and appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on January 29.

On March 11, he appeared before Northampton Crown Court where his guilty pleas to all offences except robbery were accepted, and he was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.

On Monday, April 22, Smith, of no fixed address, appeared before the same court and was sent to prison for 16 months, with a forfeiture order also made for the screw and knife blade.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer DC Neil Carr, of CID North at Northamptonshire Police, said: “Benjamin Smith’s actions on January 28 were selfish and arrogant, and caused significant distress to the store staff who were simply doing their jobs.

“They could not see exactly what he was pointing at them, but could see it was shiny and sharp, which coupled with his verbal aggression caused them real fear.

“I’m really pleased the seriousness of Smith’s offending has been recognised with this custodial sentence and have no doubt that our towns and stores are safer places with him now in prison.”

Northamptonshire Police is committed to fighting retail crime, and has a dedicated Retail Crime Team which works with officers across the Force and external partners to secure evidence to bring offenders to justice, and offer support and advice to businesses and their staff.

Report non-emergency crime by calling 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk/RO. In an emergency always call 999.