A would-be robber who threatened a shop worker with a needle has been jailed.
Craig Noble walked into the Morrisons Daily store, in Broxtowe Lane, Aspley, Nottingham, on 1 November 2025 and tried to steal a basket full of items.
When staff challenged him, Noble produced a hypodermic needle and threatened to stab them with it.
Shop staff spotted Noble had returned to the store around 30 minutes later and police were called.
Two PCSOs from the City West neighbourhood team were in the area and based on descriptions of the offender were able to locate him nearby.
Response officers arrived a short time later and arrested the 40-year-old after finding a needle on him which matched the description given by staff – particularly that it had been bent as he made his initial escape.
Investigating officers worked quickly to gather witness statements and Noble, of no fixed abode, was charged with a number of offences.
He originally denied the offences but eventually pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a sharp pointed article in a public place.
At Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (14 April) he was jailed for a total of four years and one month.
Sergeant Barnaby Taylor, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“This result in court was achieved thanks to a quick and efficient response from the initial officers on the scene.
“Neighbourhood PCSOs were on the ground in the right place at the right time to locate Noble.
“Response teams were then able to arrest him and recover a needle which matched the detailed description given by the shop worker.
“I’m grateful for her help and sorry she has gone through this unpleasant experience.
“Hard working shop staff do not deserve to be threatened in this appalling manner by a criminals like Noble.”
