Swindon man sentenced for attempted stabbing in TK Maxx

By Jamie Hill - 7 November 2018

Crime

A Swindon man who threatened shop staff with a knife after stealing perfume from the store has been sentenced.

Robert Gillespie (47), from Spring Close, earlier pleaded guilty to possession of a knife, common assault, assault by beating and theft from a shop. 

On Sunday 16 September 2018, Gillespie stole a bottle of perfume from TK Maxx on Great Western Way.   He left the premises without attempting to pay but while still in the car park was challenged by a member of staff.  It was then Gillespie turned on the shop worker, produced a knife and tried to stab him.

Fortunately, he didn't injure the man and then ran off with the stolen perfume.

Police were called and following a number of enquiries Gillespie was arrested and later charged.  

He pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates Court on 24 September and was sentenced last week on Friday 4 November to two years and six months in prison and fined £170. 

Following the sentencing, PC Paul Bezzant said:  "This is a good result and a substantial sentence.

"It sends the message that knife crime on whatever level is not to be tolerated and is punishable - if you carry a knife to commit crime you will be caught and go to jail." 

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