Galashiels store staff praised for nailing teen hammer thug

Published 4 Jun 2010 12:13 0 Comments

A TEENAGE shoplifter threatened the staff of a DIY store three times with a hammer he had just stolen, a court heard this week.

But the brave workers still chased after Sean Johnston and wrestled him to the ground before taking the offensive weapon off him.

On Monday, Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told that the 17-year-old had activated the security alarm at the B&Q in Galashiels on Friday afternoon as he left with electrical goods to the value of £93.44 and also the hammer.

Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said two members of the store's security staff had been suspicious of Johnston and gave chase up a hill.

She described how on three occasions Johnston stopped and raised the club hammer over his head saying: "If you come near me I will hit you."

Miss Bradley said: "The security staff were not put off and one of them took him to the ground and managed to get the hammer off him."

Johnston appeared from custody and pleaded guilty to charges of theft and possession of an offensive weapon on May 28.

Defence lawyer Mark Harrower described it as a "concerning incident." He admitted that Johnston of Carlin Court, Tweedbank, had carried out the theft to fund his heroin addiction.

Sheriff Peter Hammond deferred sentence until June 28 for background reports and also a restriction of liberty assessment.

Johnston was released on bail with a special condition not to enter B&Q in Wilderhaugh, Galashiels.

A B&Q spokesperson said: "The safety of our colleagues is of the highest importance and whilst we would never recommend putting themselves at risk, we are very proud that the swift response and bravery of a number of colleagues led to the arrest of this shoplifter.

"Whilst we assist the police with their enquiries, we do not feel it appropriate to comment further at this time."

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