Crawley: Man who robbed Co-op with ten inch knife jailed

Craig Baker entered the Co-op in Ifield Drive, Crawley, stole the vodka after staff refused to hand over cash to him and activated the security alarm.

Baker, 43, of no fixed address, also hit another staff member in the face after he tried to intervene during the incident.

He then threatened a customer while still holding the knife as he left the store.

Police at Ifield Drive in Crawley in November (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Baker told police in an interview that he “didn’t mean to do anything naughty” and that “you guys have done the right thing getting me off the streets”.

Armed police responded to the incident on November 13 last year.

Forensic officers recovered fingerprints from the till area which matched Baker’s.

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He was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of robbery, possession of a knife in public and threatening a person with a knife in public.

Baker was sentenced to 32 months in prison after a trial at Lewes Crown Court on February 10.

Baker was remanded in custody and pleaded guilty to all offences.

Craig Baker has been jailed for 32 months (Image: Sussex Police)

At Lewes Crown Court on 10 February, he was sentenced to a total of 32 months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, detective constable Catherine Richardson, said: “Baker committed these offences while brandishing a large kitchen knife, causing a number of people including staff and customers to fear for their lives.

“Thanks to the swift actions of the staff, who activated the store alarm, we were able to quickly respond to the scene and ensure no one had been seriously hurt.

A police cordon at the Co-op last November (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

“Forensics investigators took prints from the store, which led to the identification and arrest of Baker within 24 hours.

“This case demonstrates that our officers are on hand to respond to reports of threats and violence, including knife crime, as we strive to keep communities safe and bring offenders to justice.”