Jarrow store raid attacker put behind bars after £1k shoplifting spree
A robber who attacked a Jarrow store worker and went on a £1k shoplifting spree has been caged.
A robber who pushed a shop worker during a terrifying late-night raid has been put behind bars.
Michael Wilson went into a small store in Jarrow, South Tyneside, last November, paid for a £1 can of Dr Pepper then tried to snatch cash from the till as it opened.
Newcastle Crown Court heard as the worker tried to close the drawer, Wilson pushed her and trapped her hand in it.
He then covered her mouth as he pushed her again before taking £200 in £20 notes.
£1k shoplifting spree
Over the following months, Wilson, who was homeless, then went on a £1,000 shoplifting spree from shops in Jarrow, Hebburn and Boldon to take food and toiletries.
Prosecutor Jordan Parkinson said Wilson would target some shops repeatedly, "especially Greggs", which he stole food from on ten separate days.
The court heard the robbery victim feared Wilson, who was out on licence from an eight-and-a-half year sentence for violence, may have had a knife and now worries about being targeted again.
Miss Parkinson said Wilson tried to take cash when the till opened after his £1 purchase and told the court: "The complainant tried to close the drawer and the defendant forced it back open.
"The defendant pushed her back and jammed her hand in the till, causing pain.
"The defendant used one hand to cover her mouth and push her back."
Miss Parkinson said Wilson left the shop with £200 in £20 notes from the till.
Wilson admits robbery
Wilson, 36, of no fixed address, admitted robbery of the £200 at the Jarrow store and ten shoplifting charges relating to Greggs stores, Herons, Asda and Morrisons, totalling £1,038 in stock between December and March.
Glenn Gatland, defending, said Wilson was homeless after he split from his partner, had no money and could not claim benefits so was living on the streets and stealing to survive.
The court heard Wilson has a history of substance misuse and had relapsed at the time but has since shown remorse, worked hard on remand and wants to turn his life around.
Recorder Richard Stubbs jailed him for 31 months.