Woman jailed for part in knifepoint attempt robbery at Milford Haven shop

A 31-year-old woman has been jailed for an attempt robbery after she entered Pill Corner Stores with a knife and demanded money from the shop worker.

Jessie Thompson appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with attempt robbery and possession of a bladed article following the incident on July 11.

The court heard that Thompson and her accomplice Bethan John, aged 25, walked into the store with masks over their faces, brandishing a kitchen knife. One of the pair threatened the worker with the knife, and said ‘give me all your money’.

The shop worker defended herself with a milk crate, and Thompson and John fled the store. No money or items were stolen.

A member of the public later called Dyfed-Powys Police to say a bag of clothes had been dumped in his garden. Enquiries established these matched the clothes worn by Thompson and John, who had been identified from CCTV footage.

On arrest, Thompson and John said they were going to hand themselves in, and told officers they had discarded the knife in a hedgerow near the Mount Estate.

After admitting the offences, Thompson was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

John also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at a later date.

DC Dean Chilcott said: “We are pleased that the seriousness of this incident has been recognised by the court, and that Thompson has been suitably sentenced for the part she played.

“This shop has persistently been targeted by criminals, while the owners and workers are just trying to do their jobs in providing a service for the local community. They should never be made to feel fearful for their safety while at work, or be in a position of having to defend themselves from violence.

“I hope this sentence serves as a message that we have taken – and will continue to take – robust action against those responsible for appalling incidents of this kind.”