Tesco thug waved 'firearm' in staff member's face during robbery - 'I feared for my life'
WATCH: Brazen MASKED thieves ransack Tesco as TERRIFIED workers plead for mercy
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A 20-year-old man who pointed an imitation firearm at a shop worker's face during a Bournemouth Tesco robbery has been sentenced to three years in a young offenders institution.
Harry Belton, of Christchurch, brandished the weapon while stealing beer alongside his accomplice George Warren, 21, from Bournemouth.
Warren, who pushed a security guard during the incident at the Christchurch Road store, received an 18-month suspended sentence.
The shop worker later revealed he "feared for his life" during the confrontation, as he didn't know if the firearm was real.
Harry Belton who pointed an imitation firearm at a shop worker's face during a Bournemouth Tesco robbery has been sentenced to three years in a young offenders institution
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Warren had initially entered the Tesco store alone at around 6.45pm, taking a box of Stella Artois without paying.
He returned with Belton around 10pm but was denied entry due to his earlier theft.
Belton then entered alone and took a case of San Miguel, placing it on his shoulder.
When attempting to leave, he was stopped by a security guard, telling him "I've got what I need" and instructing the guard to look behind him.
Warren then burst into the shop and shoved the security guard.
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During the confrontation, a staff member managed to take the case of lager from Belton's shoulder.
Belton responded by pulling an imitation firearm from his waistband and pointing it directly at the shop worker's face.
He then snatched the beer back before both men fled the store.
In a victim impact statement, the shop worker described how his heart rate "went crazy" during the incident.
The victim said he was terrified as he had no way of knowing whether the weapon was genuine.
Both men were later charged with robbery, with Belton facing an additional charge of possession of an imitation firearm.
Harry Belton, of Christchurch, brandished the weapon while stealing beer alongside his accomplice George Warren, 21, from Bournemouth
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In mitigation, the court heard Belton had diagnosed ADHD and struggled with immaturity, though he hoped to return to college to study construction.
Warren's defence explained he had "spiralled" due to drug use and was unaware his friend possessed the firearm.
Bournemouth Crown Court's Recorder Nicholas Haggan KC sentenced Belton to three years in a young offenders institution.
Warren received an 18-month suspended sentence for two years, with requirements to complete six months of drug rehabilitation.
He must also undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity and perform 80 hours of unpaid work.
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