Robber jailed after threatening shop staff
It happened in February
Last updated 30th Jun 2026
A hammer-wielding criminal, who robbed a York convenience store, has been jailed.
Just before 8pm on Sunday 8 February 2026, North Yorkshire Police received a call reporting a man had stolen money from the Co-op on Campleshon Road.
The suspect had threatened a member of staff with a hammer, grabbing him by the jacket and pulling him towards the till area. He had then left on foot with hundreds of pounds in cash.
Officers attended immediately and reviewed CCTV showing the clothing worn by the suspect. Response officer PC Sophie Riley, using her good local knowledge, went with other officers to the home address of Tom Robinson – ten minutes’ walk away from the scene of the crime.
There, they located a quantity of cash and some clothing matching the CCTV footage, and within an hour the 28-year-old was arrested and in custody.
Officers also quickly recovered the victim’s jacket, securing it for forensic examination. Tests later identified Robinson’s DNA on the left arm of the jacket.
Robinson made no comment in interview. He was charged with robbery and faced with the evidence, he pleaded guilty at York Crown Court on 26 May 2026.
On Tuesday 30 June 2026, at the same court, he was jailed for five years and two months. He was also ordered to forfeit a quantity of cash.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, the member of staff said: “On the night of the robbery, there was too much adrenaline to think about what happened. It was a first for me, I’ve never had anything like this happen before. I was in shock and numb to what had happened, but in the back of my mind I knew the incident was really going to impact me.
“I gave my statement to the police. On the surface I was acting normal, but underneath I could feel the panic was setting in, asking myself what just happened and why did it happen to me.
“It has impacted me a lot more than I thought it would. I believe I will remember what happened, and the feelings I had, for the rest of my life.”
After the sentencing hearing, DC Alex Dorlin, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Robinson subjected a member of staff who was simply doing his job to a terrifying ordeal. No one comes to work expecting to be threatened with a hammer. This case is a clear example of how – quite apart from the financial loss to businesses – the long-term emotional impact of retail crime can be devastating.
“An immediate and effective response by officers to the report meant we had the evidence we needed to secure a conviction, and ensure Robinson faces the consequences of his actions.”