Jail for knife raider who threatened shop staff

SHOPWORKERS and shoppers bravely confronted a masked knifewielding man who attempted to rob a Lidl store in Woolwell during the summer.

- CARL EVE

Logan Hendry, aged 24, of no fixed abode, Plymouth, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court this week after he previously pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, wounding with intent, threatening a person with a bladed article in a public place, taking a motor vehicle without consent and a number of driving offences, including failing to stop for police.

Hendry had entered the Lidl store in Woolwell shortly after 12.10pm on Friday August 16 and queued up with other customers at one of the checkout lanes. Just before he got to the female cashier he pulled down his balaclava and pulled out a filleting knife, whereupon he threatened her.

The court heard he told the terrified woman "give me all your notes, I won't hurt you, just give me all your notes". She refused to give him any money, slamming the till closed and calling for help.

He then approached a male member of staff and said "give me the notes from the till or I will stab you" Hendry then took hold of a female customer by her arm and pointed the knife at her stomach and said "I won't stab her if you give me money" At this point, seeing what was happening, a male customer picked up a battery recycling container and hit Hendry over the head with it, knocking him off balance. The male customer and the male member of staff then attempted to force Hendry out of the store, using the recycling container and a chair, to protect themselves.