Knife raider who threatened shop staff jailed

Hooded Hendry demanded money at the checkout

A man has been jailed after a "shocking" attempt to rob a supermarket armed with a knife which he used to try and slash staff and customers.

Plymouth Crown Court heard that hooded Logan Hendry, 24, of no fixed abode, threatened a female member of staff at a checkout at Lidl, in Woolwell, Plymouth.

She refused to give him any money and called for help before a melee followed in which Hendry lashed out at staff and a customer who was injured.

Hendry, who admitted attempted robbery, threatening a person with a blade, taking a vehicle without consent and a number of driving offences, was jailed for three years.

The court heard that Hendry entered the supermarket at about 12.10 GMT on 16 August.

He pulled a balaclava over his face before threatening a woman at the checkout.

After she refused to give him any money, he threatened a male member of staff and a woman customer.

A male customer picked up a battery recycling container and, with a member of staff, pushed Hendry out as he tried to slash them with the knife and kick them.

The male customer sustained a small cut to his arm before Hendry fled.

Hendry was arrested after being spotted by officers driving towards Yelverton, the court was told.

'Dangerous situation'

Det Con Sabrina Turner, of Devon and Cornwall Police, who led the investigation, said after the case: "This was a shocking incident that occurred in a busy store in the middle of the day."

She thanked the members of staff and the public "for their bravery in intervening and assisting in removing the defendant from the store".

"Although we would not normally encourage people to intervene, it is only right we recognise they have selflessly put themselves in a dangerous situation to protect others," she said.