Knife-wielding thug stabs hero shopper after booze heist horror in Sainsbury’s
Connor James Eric Beckett, 23, from Poole, has been jailed after a violent robbery at a local Sainsbury’s left a brave customer fighting for his life. Beckett was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 29 January 2021. He had been found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a knife in public.
Whiskey theft turns brutal
On the afternoon of Monday, 10 January 2020, Beckett and his accomplice Jack Thomas Torpey, 22, broke into Sainsbury’s at Pitwines Close. The pair stashed several bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey in a basket and tried to walk out without paying. Staff challenged them – sparking a violent meltdown.
Beckett flew into a rage and punched a staff member, knocking them to the floor. In the scuffle, Beckett also fell and smashed some whiskey bottles. When another customer stepped in to help, Beckett pulled a knife!
Knife attack shocks shoppers
Torpey urged bystanders to back off as Beckett struggled with the good Samaritan. The victim’s wallet dropped during the chaos. Beckett grabbed it and when the man tried to retrieve it, Beckett brutally stabbed him in the abdomen.
The pair fled the scene with the stolen whiskey and wallet while the victim collapsed. Paramedics rushed him to hospital, where he spent a week in intensive care.
Thieves caught after using victim’s bank cards
Beckett and Torpey then went on a spending spree, using the victim’s bank cards for multiple purchases totalling over £40 and several failed attempts to buy more. Police arrested both men in Poole two days later.
Detective Sergeant Garry Knight said: “The violence shown by these men was shocking. The courage of the shop staff and public who stepped in was truly heroic. Thanks to their bravery and support, we brought these criminals to justice. The victim’s heroism in trying to help others despite horrific injury is especially commendable.”
Torpey, who admitted affray and theft earlier, was sentenced to eight months in prison in November 2020. Beckett now faces his sentence, marking the end of a brutal booze heist gone horribly wrong.
