Robber who held knife to Gillingham shopworker’s face is jailed for more than 4 years

A robber who threatened a shop worker with a knife before stealing food and drink has been jailed for more than four years.

Kye Hooper used the weapon to threaten the employee at a store in Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham, at 10.44pm on Tuesday 15 February 2022.

While inside the shop he picked up numerous items including alcohol, bread and pasta, before he took them to a till to be scanned. As the shop worker was scanning the items he produced a knife and held it to the cashier’s face.

He then took the items and continued to use the knife to gesture towards other employees as he left the store.

Following the incident officers attended and reviewed CCTV and Hooper was identified.

On Wednesday 16 February, the 35-year-old was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place and was later charged with the offences.

Hooper, of Third Avenue, Gillingham, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 17 March, where he admitted the offences and was jailed for four years and one month.

Investigating officer PC Ben Slocombe, of the Chief’s Constable’s Crime Squad said: ‘Hooper was motivated by his own greed and used a weapon in a public place to inflict fear towards the victim, not caring about the long-lasting impact his actions could cause.

‘Following the incident he was quickly identified by another officer and arrested the following day.’