Man jailed for knifepoint robberies at East Sussex chemists
42 year old Michael Youssefi has been handed a 12 year sentence
A St Leonards man has been jailed for 12 years, for three knifepoint robberies at pharmacies in East Sussex.
4\2 year old Michael Youssefi from Seven Acre Close has been sentenced at Hastings Crown Court.
The first incident happened on 9th May 2022, at the Day Lewis Pharmacy on Mount Pleasant Road in Hastings.
He threatened staff with a large kitchen knife and his face covered, demanding Oxycontin.
Officers attended and found blood at the scene, which was sent off for forensic testing.
Youssefi was eventually charged with robbery and possession of a knife in a public place in February 2024, after the blood left at the scene was linked to him.
On April 24th at Lewes Crown Court, Youssefi pleaded guilty to the offences, and was bailed to await his sentencing.
He then committed a further robbery and an attempted robbery three days later, on April 27th, while on bail.
The first took place at Boots in Eastbourne Road, Pevensey, where he forced his way into the dispensing area, armed with a knife.
Unable to find what he wanted and with witnesses attempting to intervene, Youssefi ran from the premises.
Later that day he entered Kamsons Pharmacy in Victoria Drive, Eastbourne, and demanded Oxycodone.
Staff initially refused the demand and were threatened with a knife - he was then given a box of the tablets and left the pharmacy.
Youssefi was arrested the following day, in his car in Hastings, and taken to custody.
Blister packs of Oxycodone were located during a search of his car, matching the ones stolen in Eastbourne.
Youssefi was charged with robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a knife in a public place.
Two detectives worked across the three cases, and following the sentencing, Detective Constable Chris Perry said:
"Youssefi has been sent to prison for over a decade following three brazen incidents at pharmacies in Eastbourne, Pevensey and Hastings, all in broad daylight.
"The sentence reflects the severity of his crimes, and we hope this gives a strong message to those who may be considering following in his footsteps."
Detective Constable Marcus Cox said:
"The victims were left understandably shaken by these incidents, and we hope now that Youssefi has been sentenced, they can begin to put this behind them.
"We would like to thank those who assisted police enquiries during the course of this investigation, as the accounts provided were crucial in helping us to secure the sentencing result."