Would-be robber jailed for three years after shop workers disarmed and captured him for police

Martin Locke, from Peterlee, was sentenced to three years in jail at Durham Crown Court.

Durham Constabulary said Locke went into Crosslands Store, in Sunderland Road, in Horden, on Sunday, April 25, where he threatened the shopkeepers with a weapon and demanded money from the till.

Following a struggle, the victims managed to detain Locke while officers rushed to the scene.

The 40-year-old pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence when he appeared at court.

Detective Inspector Sharon Alderson, from Peterlee CID, said: “The victims displayed a great deal of bravery by tackling the offender outside of the shop and disarming him.

“I’d like to express my personal thanks to them for their actions, which played a vital role in securing Locke’s guilty pleas and subsequent sentence we have seen this week.”

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