A shop robber is to be assessed for the risk he poses to the public after a masked raid while carrying a machete at a Co-op store.

Dean Lee Smith appeared at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing yesterday (Monday, September 16), via video link from the city’s prison, where he has been on remand since his arrest.

Following a conference with his counsel, Graham O’Sullivan, Smith admitted two counts arising from the incident, at the Co-op branch on Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, at 6.55am on Thursday, August 8, this year.

He admitted robbing a male member of staff of a quantity of cigarettes and bottles of spirits, plus having a bladed article, the machete, in public, in Seaside Lane.

(Image: Durham Constabulary) Mr O’Sullivan asked for a background report to be prepared on the defendant prior to him being sentenced, next month.

Agreeing, Judge Richard Bennett said the report author needs to address the issue of dangerousness, the risk of harm to the public posed by Smith.

“He has a previous robbery conviction and recent convictions for carrying weapons, particularly knives.

“I have seen the CCTV with him where he goes into the shop and goes behind the counter.”

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Addressing the 40-year-old defendant, of Bourne Street, Easington Colliery, Judge Bennett told him: “You have pleaded guilty and will receive the appropriate credit for that when you are sentenced.

“The pre-sentence report I’ve ordered to be prepared on you will consider the risk you pose to the public, plus other information relevant to your case.”

Judge Bennett remanded Smith to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing at the court, on Friday October 18.