Man pleads guilty to knife point robbery in Swindon

A Swindon man has pleaded guilty to various offences following a Wiltshire Police investigation.

Bradley Stacey, 21, of Stapleford Way, Penhill, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday (25/01) charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article, two counts of criminal damage and s4A Public Order.

On December 8 last year, Stacey entered the Tesco Abbey Meads store in Swindon and held a staff member at knife point while demanding money from the till.

Stacey was swiftly located nearby and arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article.

He was then further arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after spitting in the back of the police van, before damaging bedding within his cell in custody and smearing blood on the wall.

He was also further arrested for a public order offence after making verbal threats towards officers.

DC Sally Booth of Swindon CID said: “Stacey’s behaviour has been disgraceful.

“His actions in Tesco have understandably left the staff members feeling shaken by the incident, while our officers shouldn’t have to be subjected to the kind of abuse and threats that Stacey made against them.

“It is also unacceptable that officers have had to clean up after him after arresting him for robbery, with the police van and cell needing a deep clean before they can be used again.

“Nobody, whether it’s an officer or a member of the public, should have to deal with these kinds of things while going about their work.”

Stacey has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on April 9.