A career criminal who threatened to stab shop workers during a shoplifting spree that saw him target 18 stores and steal goods worth £2,068 has been handed a suspended prison sentence. Lee Robson, 44, of Lanchester Avenue, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to two public order offences and 18 shop thefts at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Threats to Co-op Staff
The court heard that Robson, who has 96 previous offences on his record, made threats to staff at a Co-op store in Beacon Lough, Gateshead, on August 22 and 28 this year. On the first occasion, he shouted, "If you f*****g grass, you're getting stabbed," at the store manager. On the second occasion, as he was stopped from leaving with stolen goods, he said, "Yous are getting stabbed if you don't let go. The shop will get trashed, you will be 6ft under, you will get stabbed, I will come back everyday."
James Rickerby, prosecuting, said the total value of the stolen items was £2,068.
Drug Addiction and Sentence
The court heard that Robson suffers from a crack-cocaine addiction and has spent years going in and out of prison. He told magistrates he wanted to go to jail as it was the only time he could get off the drugs.
However, his wish was denied. Robson was given a 17-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £1,289.
