Armed raider targeted four shops while out on licence from indefinite jail term
An armed raider who targeted four shops while out on licence from an indefinite jail term has been put back behind bars.
Craig Inskip was sentenced to imprisonment for public protection, with a minimum term of 18 months, for three robberies in 2008 and ended up serving almost 16 years.
Newcastle Crown Court heard in October 2023 he was wanted on recall for breaches of his licence but gave a false name when police spoke to him about an unrelated incident.
Just days later he carried out a series of shop raids that left workers terrified.The first raid was at a Nisa store in Howden, North Tyneside, on October 22 2023, where Inskip, who was wearing a face mask and gloves, told a worker "open the till and give me the f****** money now" while holding a knife.
He left with £40 from the till and the victim "scared for his life and the lives of his colleagues".
Inskip then targeted a Tesco in the town, where he demanded money, threatened to stab the female worker with a machete he was carrying but left empty handed.
The worker was left frightened and distressed and worried the raider would come back.The next victim worked at a Spar in nearby Wallsend, where Inskip, who was carrying a machete, got £470 from the till and made threats.
A newsagents in Howden was the last attack, on October 15 2023, where Inskip brandished a knife and took around 20 packs of cigarettes.
The court heard that shop had been robbed previously and the ordeals made the owner to consider whether he had a future at the business.
Inskip, 38, of Hampshire Gardens, Wallsend, admitted perverting the course of justice, three offences of robbery, one of attempted robbery and four of having a bladed article.
The court heard Inskip, who had a difficult childhood, had just turned 21 when he was given the indefinite sentence and has since been diagnosed with a personality disorder.
He suffered bereavements while in custody for the long period.Judge Julie Clemitson today jailed him for seven years with a two year extended licence period.
The judge told him: "From the facts of these offences, involving weapons as they do, it suggests you do continue to present a substantial risk of causing serious harm by the commission of further offences."
Ian Cook, defending, said Inskip struggled and returned to drug use after his release from the indefinite sentence.
Mr Cook added: "The release plan wasn't what it should have been."