Gary Hughes, 43, has been jailed for six years after threatening a Morrisons Daily worker with a kitchen knife when refused alcohol, then attempting to steal chocolate. The incident occurred at around 7am on April 4, 2026, at a shop on Corporation Road in Middlesbrough town centre.
Attempted Robbery and Knife Threat
Teesside Crown Court heard that Hughes, wearing a face covering, initially asked a staff member if he could buy alcohol. When told alcohol could not be sold at that time of morning, Hughes insisted he had £5 and needed to buy it. After being refused again, he moved to another aisle and filled his basket with multiple chocolate items.
Judge Amanda Rippon described how Hughes walked towards the exit, and the staff member blocked the door, instructing him to go to the till. In response, Hughes produced a large kitchen knife, held it about a metre from the victim, and threatened to use it if not allowed to leave. The victim stated he believed Hughes would stab him. Hughes then abandoned the basket and fled the shop.
Victim Impact and Previous Convictions
Outlining the victim's personal statement, Judge Rippon said: 'He described how much fear he was in. He has never faced an incident like that before... he was of course only doing his job.' Hughes, of no fixed address, admitted attempted robbery and possession of a knife. The court heard he has 40 previous convictions for 83 offences.
Sentence and Defence
On his 43rd birthday, Hughes was handed an extended sentence of six years, comprising four years and one month in custody and just under two years on licence. The court heard Hughes claims to have post-traumatic stress disorder and was homeless at the time, stealing food because he was hungry. However, Judge Rippon noted: 'When you left you had a basket full of chocolate - not an obvious choice if you are after sustenance.'
