Prolific and violent robber jailed for two years

A prolific shop thief convicted of a robbery where he attacked a woman as he stole a handful of sweets has been jailed for two years.

Christopher Lewis, aged 50, was found guilty of the robbery, four shop thefts and an assault following a trial at Northampton Crown Court.

At around 7am on April 23 this year, Lewis entered a convenience store in Daventry, where a staff member recognised him from an incident from two days earlier where he had stolen beer.

When she asked him to leave Lewis grabbed a handful of sweets worth around £1.

The woman asked him to put them back, only for Lewis to shove and try to punch her before spitting at her and leaving with the sweets.

Operation Fragment, which tackles violence, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour on the town’s Southbrook estate, began an investigation and Lewis was identified and arrested the following day.

After being released on conditional bail, Lewis went on to commit two more shop thefts in Daventry on April 27, when he also assaulted a store manager who challenged him by throwing stolen items at the man.

On October 25, Lewis was found guilty by a jury of all offences, including another shop theft committed on April 6 when he stole vodka from a Northampton supermarket.

He was immediately sentenced by the judge, receiving a two-year custodial sentence for the robbery and concurrent lesser sentences for the other offences.

Lewis, of no fixed address, was also given a two-year restraining order banning him from attending the convenience store where he committed the robbery, or contacting the staff member who challenged him.

Speaking afterwards, lead investigating officer PC Mollie Diggin, of Daventry Response, said: “Christopher Lewis caused a lot of fear to retailers and members of the public in Daventry through his escalating offending and violent behaviour.

“On the morning he targeted the convenience store there were other shoppers present, including families with young children. They were left shocked and scared by his violent behaviour and disgusting language.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the staff member in challenging Lewis and for her courage in attending court. I’m really pleased that the seriousness of Lewis’ actions towards her has been recognised with this sentence.

“Shops like this and their staff are at the heart of our communities and we will always do our best to bring to justice those who think they can target them in this way.”