Man jailed after shop robberies in Eye and Leiston
Craig Johnson assaulted members of staff at two shops in 2020.
A man has been jailed for two robberies at shops in Eye and Leiston in 2020.
39 year old Craig Johnson, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six years and three months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court.
He'll also spent three years and nine months on extended licence after admitting to robbery and attempted robbery.
The first incident happened at the McColl's store in Church Street, Eye, on 29 March 2020.
Johnson entered the store carrying a knife; he then grabbed a member of staff and dragged her around the shop, demanding money.
He failed in his attempt to get cash from the till and left the shop. The victim was left shaken and suffered cuts and bruises.
The second incident happened at around 8:45pm the same day at the Londis store in Sizewell Road, Leiston.
Johnson again entered the store and demanded money, which he got from the till.
He then went into the back of the shop and tried to access the safe. He stole cash and tobacco.
Johnson was quickly identified and arrested. He was charged in November 2020.
Detective Inspector Matt Adams, of Suffolk Police, said:
“Both of these crimes would have been horrific experiences for the shop staff to endure. During the attempted robbery in Eye, Craig Johnson dragged a young shop assistant around the store by her hair while holding a knife to her neck, he literally threw her around like a rag doll whilst demanding money from the tills.
“This extreme use of violence was completely unnecessary. I found the CCTV of the incident quite disturbing and it’s hard to imagine the fear this young lady went through. Although she suffered several cuts and bruises, I am thankful that she escaped without serious injury.
“Johnson has an appalling history of violent crime - he has previous convictions for conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery, serving significant prison terms as a result. When he committed these most recent offences he was still on parole as he was serving an extended six-year licence from a previous sentence."