Shoplifter jailed for chasing Hartlepool convenience shop staff while swinging hammer

Shay Rowbotham, 23, ran amok inside Sainsbury’s Local on Murray Street after being challenged by the manager for stealing a £2.75 bottle of beer.

Rowbotham punched the manager and left the shop but then took a hammer from his rucksack and went back in when he threatened staff, including a woman, and chased them into a warehouse.

But they and a member of the public bravely managed to overpower and disarm him until the police arrived.

Rowbotham was given nine months prison at Teesside Crown Court for the incident which happened at about 4.50pm on November 19 last year.

Paul Cross, prosecuting, described how he punched the manager in the face knocking his glasses off after challenging Rowbotham.

Mr Cross said: “One of the shop assistants got the defendant out the store.

“He got a hammer out a rucksack he was wearing and he shouted for the staff to come outside. He then entered the store swinging the hammer and chasing the staff.

"The manager was chased into the warehouse section where the defendant was hitting the door and causing it damage.

"The manager managed to grab the defendant and took him to the floor whilst another female member of staff got hold of the hammer.”

Police arrived and as Rowbotham was being arrested he kicked one of the officers in the leg.

He later pleaded guilty to theft, affray, having an offensive weapon and assaulting an emergency worker.

Alex Bousefield, defending, said Rowbotham was homeless at the time and struggling with alcohol and mental health issues.

He said everything spiralled from taking the bottle of lager.

Mr Bousefield said: “He does regret the way that things developed and he understands as a result of the consequences it has to be a custodial sentence.

"He’s acted in a way which has caused great distress, upset and no doubt fear to the manager and the other staff and a very brave member of the public who got involved as well.

"He does appreciate it mustn’t happen again.”

Mr Bousefield said Rowbotham, of Beaconsfield Street, Hartlepool, was capable of being rehabilitated with the right support upon his release.

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