Knife-Wielding Drunk Thief Jailed After Shop Raid in Cambridge
Knife Threat Sparks Police Chase
Marcus Sapra and Jason Armstrong sparked alarms after threatening a security guard with a knife during a booze heist at a Cambridge Co-Op on Perne Road.
On 17 January, a quick-thinking member of the public dialed 999, reporting the duo’s getaway. Officers caught up with them on Rustat Road, where Sapra dropped the weapon and hurled abuse at police.
Stolen Alcohol and Blades Seized
Police found the pair carrying four cans of beer, two bottles of wine and two cans of gin. Sapra was also caught with a bladed article — a serious offence that adds to his woes.
Prison Sentences Handed Down
- Marcus Sapra, 34, of Birdwood Road, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to three shoplifting charges, possession of a bladed article, a public order offence, and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order. He was sentenced to 11 months in jail at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on 26 January.
- Jason Armstrong, 43, of Station Square, Cambridge, had already been sentenced on 19 January to 12 weeks for two shoplifting counts, a public order offence, and possession of class C drugs.
Police Warn Against Abuse and Violence
“The pair have shown no regard for the shops and their staff. By carrying a knife, Sapra was not only putting himself in danger but also innocent members of the public,” said Detective Constable Richard Rose.
“Abuse, whether physical or verbal, against emergency workers simply doing their jobs is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
