Man jailed for threatening shop staff

Pictured: James Newton

A balaclava-clad shoplifter who threatened to stab staff on multiple occasions over a six-week-period has been jailed for four and a half years.

James Newton, aged 33, of Jay Gardens, Norwich was charged with 12 offences all of which took place between 17 January to 3 March this year.

They were six counts of theft from shop, one of assault, one of possessing a knife, one of criminal damage, two of robbery, and one of attempted robbery.

On multiple occasions he loaded shopping baskets with goods without making any attempt to pay for them, threatening to stab shop staff who challenged him.

He targeted Asda Express petrol station in Dereham Road multiple times acting aggressively and warning he had a knife.

A knife was seen on one occasion after he was punched by an assistant who feared for his safety.

When the store worker retreated to a stock room he kicked the door, still making threats, before pointing the knife at another assistant and demanding vodka and cigarettes.

Staff said they were left shocked and frightened.

One member of staff who had worked at the store for some years said not many people scared her but this man did. She added she had been left feeling vulnerable and had not slept.

Newton was also seen shoplifting on CCTV from the Co-op in Norwich Road over three days on 1, 2, and 3 March.

He was recognised by officers and arrested on 3 March. He was charged the following day.

Newton appeared for sentencing at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday 2^nd July 2024.

While on remand he was investigated further by Operation Converter and asked for 12 other offences to be taken into consideration by the court.

These took place between 9 May 2022 and 3 February 2024 and comprised more theft from shops, one theft of fuel from two vans, one unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle, and two public order offences, namely being swearing and abusive in public.

Duncan Etchells, staff supervisor for Op Converter said: “Shopworkers are there to do their job and should not have to suffer violence and aggression from people like Newton.

“Newton’s offending caused alarm over a sustained period leaving shopworkers in fear. He thought nothing of making the most severe threats to people who are there to serve the public.

“We are committed to protecting businesses from violent offenders like Newton who is now serving a lengthy prison sentence.”