Knuckle-Duster Thug Jailed for Brazen Supermarket Raids
A violent thief who terrorised supermarkets and robbed designer stores with a knuckle duster has been locked up for five years. Martyn Dereck Yates, 33, was found guilty of multiple thefts, robberies, and carrying an offensive weapon after a crime spree in November 2018.
Crime Spree Across Hampshire Shops
- 13 Nov: Yates slipped out of Sainsbury’s, Waterlooville, with £91 worth of goods without paying.
- 18 Nov: He stole £58.89 from Co-op, Purbrook, late in the evening.
- 29 Nov: At ASDA, Havant, Yates waved a knuckle duster at a security guard to steal £689 worth of toys.
- 30 Nov (early evening): He menaced staff at Matalan, Waterlooville, with a knuckle duster while nicking designer underwear valued at £2,000.
- 30 Nov (later): Threatening Tesco staff in portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth with the weapon, Yates made off with over £1,000 worth of toys and alcohol.
Justice Served at Portsmouth Crown Court
The ruthless spree ended in court on 3 July, where Yates was sentenced to five years behind bars. Judge condemned his use of violence and offensive weapon, ensuring he pays a heavy price for his reign of terror on local shops.
