Man given jail sentence after attempted robbery in Great Yarmouth
Paul Clarkson will spend almost three years in jail after threatening a shop worker during an attempted robbery in Great Yarmouth.
A man has been jailed for almost three years after an attempted robbery at a shop in Great Yarmouth.
Paul Clarkson, 51, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on Friday the 25th of September, after pleading guilty to the charge of attempted robbery.
The court heard how on the 25th March this year, Clarkson was in the store on King Street when he approached the tills from the side. He then grabbed a cashier by her neck, pressed an object she believed to be a knife to her side and demanded she open the till.
Other customers in the store intervened, calling the police and restraining Clarkson until officers arrived.
It was later discovered that Clarkson had not been holding a knife, but a toothbrush. However this was not known at the time and the cashier was badly shaken by the ordeal.
Clarkson was subsequently arrested, charged and remanded until sentencing where he was jailed for 34 months.
Following Clarkson's sentencing, Sergeant Andy Brown from Norfolk Police said: “I hope this sentence sends a clear message that violence and intimidation towards shop workers will not be tolerated."
"This was a particularly distressing incident for the victim, who was understandably shaken by what happened. Since the conclusion of the case, I have spoken with her and am pleased she has found the confidence to return to work."
"I would also like to pay tribute to the members of the public who showed remarkable courage by intervening and restraining Clarkson until officers arrived. Their swift and selfless actions played a significant role in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion".