A man who attempted to rob a Weymouth store at knifepoint has been jailed.
William Thorne, aged 24 and of Frome in Somerset, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday 2 December 2021 after previously admitting offences of attempted robbery, criminal damage and possessing a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place.
He was sentenced to a total of four years and three months in prison.
At around 1pm on Saturday 24 July 2021 Thorne entered Broadway Village Stores in Dorchester Road and threw a glass bottle of tequila that he had been drinking from in the direction of the till, damaging a plastic COVID-safe screen. Thorne, who was armed with a kitchen knife, then went behind the counter to a staff only area and demanded money from the shopkeeper whilst punching his victim to the face.
The victim had been carrying out repairs to the counter with a small drill prior to the incident and was able to use the tool to defend himself. He knocked the knife out of Thorne’s hand and the defendant left the store.
Officers attended and Thorne was arrested nearby.
The victim sustained minor injuries including bruising and swelling to his face.
Detective Constable Claire Lloyd, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim to encounter as he was simply carrying out his job and he showed immense bravery with his quick reactions in the circumstances.
“There were customers present in the shop at the time of the offence and it must have been frightening for them to witness this display of unwarranted violence.
“Thanks to the swift response of officers, and thanks to the CCTV in the victims shop, we were able to ensure Thorne was put before the court to face the consequences of his actions in very quick time.
“Knife violence will simply not be tolerated and Dorset Police will do what is necessary to ensure those carrying knives and using violence in our community face the courts and are punished with the full weight of the law. This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime, which I hope is contemplated on by others considering carrying knives in public.”
