'You know what will happen': Teenage robber gets three years

Jordan Oliver was just 17 when he carried out a string of thefts and robberies at several convenience stores in the borough in November 2017 to feed his crack cocaine habit.

If the shop staff tried to prevent him from leaving without paying for the goods he would tell them that he was carrying a knife and that they “know what will happen” if they detained him.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard how he would walk in, pick up a shopping basket and then fill it with chocolates and sometimes confectionary and bacon before leaving without making any payment.

He previously pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery and five theft relating to the period October 2017 to November 2017 and March 2019.

Oliver snatched items from the Co-op, in Wombridge Road, Trench, four times and twice from the Co-op, in Limes Walk, Oakengates. Other targets included Home Bargains, in Wrekin Drive, Donnington; and One Stop, in Trench Road, Trench, on March 5 this year.

The court heard that Oliver, now 19, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to a 44-week training and detention order for shoplifting in August 2018 for separate shoplifting offences, and that the 2017 offences should have been dealt with then. That order ended in January.

Recognised

Miss Amrisha Parathalingham, prosecuting, said that Oliver carried out a robbery at Wombridge Road Co-op on November 30, 2017 at about 4.45pm.

“He was immediately recognised by the staff who followed him round. He filled a basket of confectionery. He told them, ‘You know what will happen if you try to stop me’.”

She said that on other occasions he indicated to staff that he had a weapon in his pocket, but they did not actually see any blades.

Mr Adrian Roberts, defending, said: “This young man was leading a chaotic life. Most of the offences were against this background that these offences were committed.”

Judge Peter Barrie sentenced Oliver to three years detention in total at a young offenders institution. He must serve half the term before being released with conditions. There was no order for costs or compensation. He must pay the victims’ surcharge.

The judge told Oliver: “You are 17 years of age and you have a terrible record for offences of stealing. No order that the court has been able to make has been able to make you stop and think to decide not to do these things.”