More than five years in prison for armed robber who stole cognac and donuts

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for more than five years after he was convicted of a knifepoint robbery in Northampton.

On the morning of July 11 this year, Simon Lawrence, previously of Northampton, entered the Tesco Express store in Link Road, Northampton, armed with a knife.

After demanding a staff member get him a bottle of Hennessy and a vape from behind the till, he forced another one to fetch him a bottle of Coca Cola from one of the aisles, before he left the store with the stolen items, which also included a packet of donuts.

Police officers were called and whilst they were at the store taking statements, they were alerted to the fact that Lawrence was still in the vicinity, detaining him at a nearby property in possession of the knife.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of robbery, threats to kill and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

After pleading guilty to the offences at Northampton Crown Court in August, Lawrence returned to the same court last month (October 11) where he was jailed for five years and three months.

Lead investigator - Detective Constable Tori Bingham said: “No one should have to go through this kind of experience at their workplace and it’s something that can have a lasting effect.

“That’s why I am really pleased to see Simon Lawrence handed a lengthy sentence for this offence as it demonstrates the seriousness with which the police and the courts take incidents of knife crime and serious violence.

“In total, Lawrence stole just over £50 worth of goods. That’s one year in prison for every £10 stolen. I hope this robust result sends a clear message to other would-be robbers who think it’s possible to get away with such a crime.

“This was a terrifying experience for the staff members working at the Tesco store and I hope the conclusion of this case provides them with some comfort.”