Teenager 'feared being stabbed' in motorbike robbery at South Shields Sainsbury's
A teenager feared he would be stabbed by an armed thug who tried to rob his motorbike outside Sainsbury's in Simonside, South Shields.
A teenager feared he would be stabbed by an armed thug who tried to rob his motorbike outside a shop.
The victim had pulled up at Sainsbury's in Simonside, South Shields, when he was targeted by Stephen Hunter in July.
Newcastle Crown Court heard when the victim refused Hunter's demands for him to hand over the key for the bike he produced a knife.
Hunter, who was on a suspended sentence and has previous convictions for carrying knives, eventually got into a taxi but kicked the motorbike over before left the area, which caused some scratches.
Prosecutor Kelly Clarke told the court Hunter had initially approached and started asking questions about the bike, such as what CC it was and what type.
Miss Clarke said: "He said he was trying to make himself look bigger than he was and appeared to be under the influence of something.
"The complainant tried to walk towards the shop, having removed his helmet, and the defendant tried to block him. He was so close he could smell his breath.
"The defendant asked for the key and the complainant said 'no'. The defendant became more agitated and then reached into his pocket and pulled out what he thought was a knife, he could see the blade and described he was in fear of being stabbed.
"The defendant then said 'give us your f***** keys' and the complainant said 'no'.
"The defendant then moved toward the bike and kicked it over."
Hunter and another man, who had been trying to discourage him from what he was doing, got into a taxi and left.
The victim said in an impact statement: "I really thought I might be stabbed and suffer serious injury."
He added he now feels "paranoid" when on his bike and fears something similar could happen again.
Hunter, 27, of Beach Road, South Shields, admitted attempted robbery.
The court heard he has spent three months on remand.
Recorder Anthony Hawks sentenced him to three years, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements.