Man Jailed After Hammer Attack

30 March 2011, 15:24 | Updated: 30 March 2011, 15:31

A man who threatened and attacked a shop worker with a hammer as he robbed a newsagent has been jailed.

26-yearold Lee Hackett, of no fixed abode, argued with the shop manager of Stuart's newsagents in Norwich and punched him before threatening a member of staff and demanding money from the till.

Norwich Crown Court heard that Hackett then attacked the Hall Road shop worker with a hammer who managed to grab the weapon and chase Hackett out of the shop.

Four packets of cigarettes worth £20.10 were stolen from the shop during the robbery on Sunday, February 13th.

Forensic evidence and CCTV from the shop led officers to Hackett who pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to four years imprisonment this morning.

Investigating officer, Det Con Keith Linstead from Norwich CID, said: "This was a very serious offence committed by Hackett and one which was very frightening for his victims.

The fact that he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity demonstrates how strong the case was against him.

The four-year prison sentence reflects the serious nature of this offence and shows this type of crime will not be tolerated."