Terror at the cosmetics shop

A robber who brandished a knife at a shop worker when she tried to stop him grabbing cosmetics worth hundreds of pounds has been jailed for nearly five years.

Samuel Anouer, 34, walked into Space NK in Octagon Mall in the City of London and started ransacking the shelves.

Anouer, wearing a baseball cap, was caught on CCTV pushing manager Harries Anghard away as she desperately tries to stop him.

He then pulled a blade out of his jacket pocket before casually helping himself to more beauty products.

He left the store with £640 worth of goods and was later identified by City of London Police.

Anouer, of no fixed address, admitted robbery, possession of a bladed weapon and theft at Inner London Crown Court.

He also admitted two counts of breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from entering the City of London.

Anouer had been working as barman and described himself as a ‘great team player.’

Judge Matthew Boyle sentenced him to four years and nine months imprisonment.

Detective Constable Emma Martin, of the Criminal Investigations Department at the City of London Police, said: ‘This would have been a frightening ordeal for the shop staff and to the shoppers who had witnessed Anouer wielding a knife.

‘No one should have to fear violence or threatening behaviour while at work or simply going about their daily business.

‘We investigate all offences thoroughly and we’re committed to keeping people safe and making sure those responsible for criminal activities are brought to justice.’

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