Iffley Road Co-op cashier terrified during robbery

Gerald Gribban, of no fixed abode, ‘waved’ a Stanley knife about before demanding money during the terrifying robbery at the Co-Op store on Iffley Road on May 5 this year.

Oxford Crown Court heard at his sentencing today how the 46-year-old first went to the Oxford shop at about 3pm.

Prosecutor Cathy Olliver said shop worker Benrilo Kikon was at her till when she spotted Gribban but ‘thought nothing of him’ at first.

The cashier then noticed him next to stacks of scratch cards near the till and she thought he wanted help.

Instead, Gribban told the woman ‘open the till’ before flashing a knife, described as a Stanley knife, in his right hand and ‘waving it’ about.

Ms Kikon then handed over the contents of the till – £120 – before Gribban fled the scene.

Following her ordeal she was left feeling ‘frightened’ and ‘scared to be alone at her till’ Ms Olliver said.

Gribban later handed himself in to police while in Kettering in Northamptonshire before going on to admit robbery and having a bladed article.

It was also revealed today that Gribban has a number of previous convictions, including multiple cases of violence.

He has 24 convictions for 49 offences, including for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

Sentencing, Judge Peter Ross said that Gribban’s offending was a result of substance misuse and tackling his issues would stop his crimes.

Addressing the judge directly from the witness box, Gribban said he was committed to tackling his offending.

He said: “I feel really positive and I am really committed to doing the hard work here and try to make amends for my wrongdoing. I would love to apologise for my behaviour and let her believe she can go to work and feel safe and there is not a lot of idiots about that are going to come to work and make her feel uncomfortable.”

Gribban was handed a community order to include drug rehabilitation, residence at Freedom Communities in Devon and 25 rehabilitation activity days.