A shop worker in Blyth was recently confronted by an axe-wielding robber when she intervened during an incident involving the theft of fabric conditioner. The event unfolded at Boyes on September 18, 2022, when Charles Moore, having stolen two bottles of Lenor, returned the following day to attempt to steal more. A vigilant customer alerted the assistant manager to Moore's actions, prompting her to challenge him.
The situation escalated when Moore turned around to reveal he was brandishing an axe he had taken from the store. The confrontation frightened the employee, who was later reported as saying she would not have approached him had she known he was armed. Prosecutors presented evidence, including CCTV footage which showed Moore waving the axe during the incident.
Moore, aged 43 and residing on Twentythird Avenue in Blyth, was later charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article, and theft. At Newcastle Crown Court, he entered a guilty plea. Judge Carolyn Scott highlighted the seriousness of the encounter, stating, “The assistant manager told you you couldn't steal from the store and told you to give the items back.” She also mentioned the impact the confrontation had on the worker, referencing her victim impact statement which indicated a heightened wariness towards challenging potential shoplifters as a result of the incident.
Following the robbery, Moore returned the stolen items shortly after the initial theft. His defence attorney, Helen Towers, suggested that the robbery was an incident that had gone awry and pointed out Moore's immediate return of the goods. Towers further stated that her client, who has a significant criminal history with 205 previous convictions, expressed remorse for his actions and has struggled with drug addiction.
Ultimately, Judge Carolyn Scott sentenced Moore to 30 months in prison. Notably, he reacted to this sentencing by smiling and punching the air, a response that raised eyebrows in the courtroom.
Source: Noah Wire Services