Hammer-wielding shop robber gets six-and-a-half years in jail

A man who used a hammer to threaten shopkeepers and rob stores in Nottinghamshire has been jailed for six-and-a-half years.

Craig Bagley, 34, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for three robberies late last year.

His accomplice in the first robbery, Glynn Johnson, 33, of no fixed address, has got 15 months in prison as both appeared at Leicester Crown Court via video link on 18 May.

Bagley targeted the Tesco supermarket in Top Valley on 4 October 2019, a Sainsbury’s supermarket in Carrington Street, Nottingham on 10 November 2019, and the Local 4 U convenience store in Bulwell on 15 November 2019.

He was arrested after the Local 4 U incident when he repeatedly smashed the door to a locked store room with a hammer while a staff member hid for their safety.

He left the shop after failing to gain entry to the locked room.

Bagley also used the hammer at Tesco to threaten a staff member. Officers have recovered the hammer from him upon arrest.

Johnson was arrested earlier after the Tesco robbery.

The duo robbed bottles of alcohol from Tesco and Bagley stole alcohol and cash in the other two incidents.

Detective Inspector Chanelle Whitney, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These incidents would have been frightening for the victims involved and I hope today’s result shows how seriously we take such crimes.

“Robbery can have a devastating financial impact on businesses and we endeavour to work with our communities to ensure that businesses and their staff feel supported and protected.”