Robber who held Tesco staff at knifepoint in Swindon jailed

Stacey pleaded guilty to all charges at a hearing in January

A man who held a supermarket staff member at knifepoint in Swindon has been jailed for seven years.

Bradley Stacey, 21, of Stapleford Way, Penhill, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court after pleading guilty to five charges, including robbery.

Stacey entered the Tesco Abbey Meads store and held the staff member at knifepoint while demanding money from the till on 8 December 2023.

He was arrested nearby, before proceeding to damage police property.

Upon being held on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article, Stacey was then further arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after spitting in the back of the police van and then urinating on self-harm clothing he had been provided.

'Barrage of abuse'

He also damaged bedding within his cell while in custody, and smeared blood across the wall, the court heard.

He was then further arrested for a public order offence after making verbal threats towards officers.

Det Con Sally Booth, of Swindon CID, said: "There can be no justification for Stacey's actions, which understandably left the staff members present at Tesco feeling incredibly upset and shaken by what happened.

"Stacey also subjected our officers to a horrible barrage of abuse and threats after he was arrested for the robbery, as well as requiring officers to clean up after him after his actions in the police van and cell."