Armed robber left confused after brave shop worker told him to "go f*** yourself" when he demanded cash

Philip Profit had gone into the newsagents in Blyth, Northumberland, with his hood up, wearing gloves, carrying a chopping knife with a six-inch blade and demanded "open the till, empty it". Newcastle Crown Court heard, despite having spotted the deadly weapon, the shopkeeper, who was working in her parents' store, heroically told him to "go f*** yourself".

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw told the court Profit appeared "confused" by her response and warned this was not the end of the matter before he ran off. After the botched raid Profit shaved his facial hair in a bid to avoid detection but a police officer, who knew him due to previous dealings, viewed CCTV of the attempted robbery and recognised him with ease.

Profit, 37, of Hazel Terrace, Crag Head, Stanley, County Durham, who has previous convictions including affray, assaults and shoplifting, admitted attempted robbery and having a bladed article.

Judge Edward Bindloss today said the shop worker acted "commendably" as he jailed Profit for 27 months. The courageous victim said in an impact statement: "We are an integral part of the community as we have been here for 32 years, it is very disappointing to be targeted in this way.

"I am fearful that this male could return when my mother is in the shop by herself. I should not have to fear for my own or family’s safety when we are at work in our family’s business."

It was on January 13 2024 when the worker was behind the counter with her mother when Profit entered at around 3.30pm and made his way toward the till. Mr Wardlaw said: "He was wearing a black jumper with his hood up and gloves, he leaned onto the counter and in a timid voice said “open the till, empty it” whilst lifting his arm to reveal a knife.

"The defendant repeated again, now in a slightly louder voice, “open the till, give is the money” and she now saw the knife was a chopping knife with a six inch blade. She bravely told the defendant to 'go f*** yourself'. The defendant in response appeared confused before making his way to the exit.

"Before leaving he made a reference that this wasn’t the end of the matter. She subsequently called the police."

Mr Wardlaw said police viewed CCTV from the shop, an officer recognised Profit and added: "The officer attended the defendant’s home address and observed he was wearing the same trainers and jeans as those worn by the offender on the CCTV.

"The address was searched and a jacket similar to that on the CCTV was seized and the officer located a chopping knife. The offender on the CCTV has facial hair. There were two razors that appeared to be freshly used and a check of the bathroom sink indicated the defendant had recently shaved his facial hair.

“The officer through his many dealings with the defendant is able to identify him with and without facial hair."

Andrew Walker, defending Profit, told the court: "There was a commendably robust response from the victim."

The court heard Profit has mental health issues, was addicted to crack cocaine and may have been put under pressure or exploited by others.