Tesco employee 'shaken' after being held at knife point by thief demanding money from till

Swindon Crown Court was told how Stacey, from Penhill, demanded money from the cashier.

DC Sally Booth of Swindon CID said: “Stacey’s behaviour has been disgraceful.

“His actions in Tesco have understandably left the staff members feeling shaken by the incident, while our officers shouldn’t have to be subjected to the kind of abuse and threats that Stacey made against them.

“It is also unacceptable that officers have had to clean up after him after arresting him for robbery, with the police van and cell needing a deep clean before they can be used again.

“Nobody, whether it’s an officer or a member of the public, should have to deal with these kinds of things while going about their work.”

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Stacey was arrested after being located in a nearby location following the incident.

He was charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article, two counts of criminal damage and section 4A Public Order.

Stacey was further arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after spitting in the back of the police van, before damaging bedding within his cell in custody and smearing blood on the wall.

The 21-year-old was also alleged to have made verbal threats towards officers.

Stacey pleaded guilty to his knifepoint robbery which took place on December 8 last year.

He has been remanded in custody and is due for sentencing on April 9.