Carl Jubin went into the Spar store on Ewenny Road in Bridgend on May 28 and bought a refillable e-cigarette. Around 10 to 15 minutes later, Cardiff Crown Court was told, he came back in an “agitated” state, waving the vape around and saying it was the wrong one, before he started swearing.
The shopkeeper said to him: “Cool down, I’ll serve you now.” He replied: “I know where you live and I’ll come and burgle your house.”
Prosecution barrister Charles Archer said Jubin returned a third time 10 to 15 minutes later, walking around the till and attempting to barge through the Perspex door. The shopkeeper tried to close the door from the other side, but he forced his way through, pushed her over and stole a vape, saying: “I only want this one.”
Arrest and guilty plea
Jubin was arrested by police the following day and gave a no comment interview at a police station in Bridgend. The 40-year-old, of Heol Loveluck in Bridgend, pleaded guilty to robbery and appeared at Cardiff Crown Court via prison video link for sentencing.
Victim impact
A victim impact statement read to the court revealed the shopkeeper had burns to her back and a bruise to her elbow. It said the shocking incident had left her feeling “extremely nervous, frightened and vulnerable, and has had a significant impact on her daily life”.
The statement continued: “I’ve felt anxious in the shop and constantly in fear, and find myself looking at the front door of the shop on edge, worried an incident like this may happen again. I used to work one late shift a week but I’ve since had to stop. I struggle to sleep at night. I keep replaying in my head what I could have done differently. I have worked at the store for 18 years and never had anything like this. Nobody should be subjected to this whilst at work.”
Sentence
Giles Hayes, representing Jubin, said: “He has genuine remorse and is shocked by his conduct. His drug problem is being managed in the community by way of medication and has allowed him stable accommodation. He has jeopardised all that by his conduct at the Spar store in Bridgend in May. He fully recognises and appreciates his wrongdoing.”
Sentencing Jubin, Recorder Greg Bull KC said: “Shopkeepers need to be protected by people who behave like you, especially in the current climate where there is concern of people going into shops and acting with violence.” Jubin was jailed for two years.
