A Bedford man has pleaded guilty to wielding a hammer during a theft at a convenience store, after he was identified by media sharing CCTV images of the attack.
Rodney Loveridge, 39, of Hermitage Lane in Greenfield, Bedford, carried out the theft at Bridge End Stores in Earith, Cambs on 8 August 2018.
One member of staff was working there when she saw Loveridge approaching the counter waving a small hammer.
He said he wanted some cigarettes but the shop worker instead went into the staff office which has a strong security door and attempted to call for help.
She then saw Loveridge approach the alcohol displayed behind the counter.
Believing he would try to come into the staff office, the woman grabbed a bat to defend herself with and came back into the shop.
Loveridge attempted to grab alcohol from behind the till, but the woman shouted at him and urged him to stop.
He continued picking up bottles of alcohol, but the woman hit him on the arm with the bat.
Loveridge left the shop holding several small bottles of alcohol. The woman followed and saw him getting into the back of a car.
CCTV of the incident were released as part of a media appeal to identify him and track him down.
After being arrested Loveridge said he didn’t remember committing the offence as he had been drinking, but admitted it was him in the footage.
Loveridge told officers he stole the drink from the store because he was an alcoholic. He said he had been hitchhiking and got lifts from ‘various drivers’ before ending up in Earith.
He said he didn’t remember owning a hammer and must have got a lift away from the store by a stranger.
Loveridge said he felt ‘terrible’ about his actions and admitted he wouldn’t have done it if he hadn’t been drinking.
He previously pleaded guilty to theft at Cambridge Crown Court. At the same court yesterday (Wednesday, 30 January) he also pleaded guilty to affray.
He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and handed 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
DC Jennifer Park, who investigated, said: “Despite drinking beforehand, Loveridge thought nothing of going into the shop armed, terrifying a staff member in the process, and stealing the bottles of alcohol.
“The shop worker involved in this incident should be publically thanked for her bravery which eventually led to Loveridge leaving the store.
“Loveridge was identified after a CCTV media appeal and we’d like to thank the members of the public who helped us identify him and secure this conviction.”
