Hammer-wielding man jailed after ‘terrifying’ Eastbourne robbery

Police said Zack Staniford entered the Co-op store in Meads Street at around 9.20pm on May 26.

Officers said Staniford smashed the plastic screens put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, before going behind the till and demanding cash. He got away with £385, police said.

Sussex Police said that three days later on May 29, Staniford was spotted on Eastbourne seafront by a police officer who identified him as the suspect due to two distinctive tattoos on the top of his hands.

CCTV footage of Staniford wielding a hammer at the shop in Meads Street SUS-200107-130548001

According to police, Staniford was arrested, and was found to be in possession of a knife.

He was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Police said Staniford, 19, a labourer, of Cavendish Place, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Hove Crown Court on Monday (June 29).

At the same court on Tuesday (June 30) he was sentenced to 36 months in a Young Offender Institution for the robbery and four months for possession of a bladed article to run consecutively, said police.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Elliott Lander said, “This was a terrifying ordeal for the staff members working in the shop at the time, who were unhurt but understandably very shaken by what happened.

“Thanks to clear CCTV footage, witness reports and the vigilance of an officer on patrol, we were able to apprehend Staniford and secure a guilty plea in court.”

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