Teesside robber stole cigarettes and alcohol from Tesco

Colin Puckrin and an unknown accomplice threatened staff with a machete before grabbing a shopping trolley and smashing it into a screen to get the cigarettes and alcohol from behind the counter.

The 43-year-old also broke into another Tesco store and stole four charity collection boxes containing around £280.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the defendant was identified by CCTV images and DNA from the scene.

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Jonathan Gittins, prosecuting, said the charity box raid took place on August 26 last year and the robbery took place a few months later on November 29.

He said two women were working in the Sainsburys Local on Bankfields Road, Middlesbrough, when the pair burst in armed with a machete.

“Two males entered the store, the unknown male brandishing a machete and shouted – ‘this is a robbery’,” he added.

“The defendant tried to ram the door with a shopping trolley before they loaded it up and escaped with £2,795 worth of tobacco and £55 worth of alcohol.”

Colin Puckrin (Image: Cleveland Police)

In a victim personal statement, one of the woman said it was the second robbery she had endured while working in the store.

She said: “It was terrifying and I no longer feel safe at work.”

Puckrin, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to robbery and none dwelling burglary.

Emma Williams, mitigating, said her client had managed to stay out of trouble for several years before going off the rails following the breakdown of his relationship.

Sainsbury's Local, Banksfield Road, Middlesbrough. (Image: Google)

The defendant read out a letter he had written to the two women, saying: “I would like to apologise to the two women who were working in Sainsbury’s – I’m truly sorry for subjecting you both to such a traumatic ordeal.

“I hope today brings you some closure and you are able to move on with your life.”

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Judge Paul Watson KC sentenced Puckrin to two years and eight months in custody.

He said: “Whatever it was that inspired you to get involved in this robbery – whether it was your association with the other male; or desperation for money; or alcohol or drugs – I don’t think we will ever get to the bottom of it.

“You have shown you can be a law-abiding member of society, I know you have really let yourself down on this occasion.”