SHOP WORKER 'NOT THE SAME' AFTER KNIFEPOINT ROBBERY

The victim of a knifepoint robbery has told a court she feels she is "not the same person" following the incident.

Ian Gant, 48, of no fixed address, threatened a member of staff at a shop on Batheaston High Street, near Bath, with a large kitchen knife on Monday, 19 February.

He then stole cash from the shop.

Gant was jailed for six years and eight months, after pleading guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article.

He was identified by CCTV footage and witness statements, before being arrested by police in Wales.

'Not the same person'

In a personal victim statement the shop worker told Bristol Crown Court: "This incident has changed who I am, from my whole personality to my feelings of security and even to little things such as not caring what I look like and feeling like I can't wear nice clothes.

"I feel like I am not the same person anymore."

Det Con James Robinson from Avon & Somerset Police, said: "No one should have to endure such a terrifying ordeal, and I'd like to praise the bravery of the victim in coming forward.

"This sentence has taken a dangerous individual, who was willing to use a weapon and force to obtain what he wanted, off the streets.

"He was identified quickly through our enquiries and arrested shortly after.

"It also reflects the magnitude of the offence and shows that those who commit crime involving knives and extreme levels of fear will receive a significant punishment for doing so."

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2024-04-23T16:48:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd