Paul Quinn, 47, of Thorngill, Washington, was sentenced to 26 months in prison after robbing a Lidl store in Houghton-le-Spring and attempting theft two days later. Recorder Christopher Knox warned Quinn he would become an 'old wreck' if he did not give up alcohol and drugs.
Robbery and Attempted Theft
On April 28, 2026, Quinn entered Lidl with another male and placed bottles of alcohol into a bag. He left the store with two bottles, but the other male was stopped by the assistant store manager. Quinn returned to the store, brandishing a bottle in the air, causing the worker to fear being hit. Both males escaped with stolen items.
Two days later, on April 30, Quinn returned to the same store with his sister, Kimberley Quinn, 41. They attempted to steal £128.86 worth of alcohol. The same assistant store manager recognized Quinn, and CCTV showed school children present at the time.
Victim Impact and Court Proceedings
In a victim impact statement, the assistant store manager said he felt fearful: 'This is not something I should have to deal with at work as it's not fair on anyone involved.' Quinn pleaded guilty to robbery and attempted theft and appeared via video link from Durham prison.
Defending, Annalisa Moscardini said Quinn's offending was driven by drug use and mental health issues related to his brother's death. She noted he returned 'without thinking about the consequences' and acknowledged his threats of violence were 'worrying.' She added Quinn had accepted his actions and held a trusted kitchen position in prison.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
Recorder Knox described Quinn as a 'prolific shoplifter' with a 'deplorable record,' citing at least 14 shop thefts in the last two years. He told Quinn: 'You waved a bottle around your head and a perfectly innocent assistant store manager was put at risk of having his head caved in. And it's all because you have an alcohol and drugs habit that you need to feed.'
Sentencing Quinn to 26 months, Recorder Knox added: 'You have got to keep away from drink and drugs. You’re getting too old for this sort of thing. You're just going to become an old wreck.'
Co-defendant's Future Hearing
Kimberley Quinn, of Martindale Park, Houghton-le-Spring, is scheduled to be sentenced for affray and attempted theft related to the April 30 incident later this month at the same court.
