A man who threatened a staff member during a robbery at a local grocery store has been sent to prison. The individual admitted to the offences at Maidstone Crown Court.
Kent Police were called to the Spar store in Twydall Green just after 9:30pm on Friday, March 21, 2025, following reports of a robbery. The court heard that the robber, aged 43, waited for other customers to leave the shop before entering. He then approached a shopworker, having observed them for a period, and proceeded to threaten them. The staff member was forced to open the till, from which the offender took approximately £500 in cash. He fled the scene after a colleague came to assist.
Police were alerted immediately, and officers promptly arrived on the scene. An arrest was made the following day.
On Sunday, March 23, a man, of no fixed address, was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article. He pleaded guilty to both charges. On Wednesday, June 11, he was sentenced to four years and four months in prison.
Detective Constable Faye Curtis said:
‘Dighton knew what he wanted to do that night and waited until he thought he had an opportunity. This brazen offender’s appalling behaviour included subjecting a victim to a frightening ordeal and it is right that he has received a custodial sentence. Violent crime in Kent will never be tolerated and perpetrators should expect to face the full consequences of their actions.’