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Robert Baker of Deal jailed after raiding MJ Stores with hammer

A robber held up a Deal store with a hammer because he believed the owner had stashed away a lot of money.

But all Robert Baker got away with was £108...and that has now landed him with a 10-year extended jail sentence.

Baker, from Walmer Castle Road, Walmer, had gone to MJ Stores in Victoria Road with the weapon in November.

Robert Baker has been jailed for the raid. Picture: Kent Police
Robert Baker has been jailed for the raid. Picture: Kent Police

Prosecutor Simon Taylor told how the 38-year-old went to the manager Mohammed Harrou, asking if he could use the toilet.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how he was refused..and left the shop but returned three minutes later and selected a beer.

Mr Taylor told how he went to the counter as if to pay but grabbed Mr Harrou’s scarf and dragged him through the store shouting: “Shut up, shut up...don’t talk!”

The terrified manager was dragged upstairs into a kitchen and Baker grabbed money from a till after producing the hammer.

Mr Taylor said Baker continued to shout: “Where is the other money?” and began dragging the manager downstairs.

But Mr Harrou managed free himself and ran into the street shouting: “Help!” and then told a neighbour called Kevin: “Kev, Kev... it’s a robbery!”

The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court
The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court

His neighbour and two others then ran after Baker and detained him until police officers arrived.

The court heard how Baker, who has committed previous robberies, carried out the attack while he was under an indefinite licence after being convicted in 2003 for manslaughter.

Now Judge Simon Taylor ruled that the robber posed a danger to the public and gave him a five year four month jail term and then added another four years and eight months to be served on licence when he is released.

"Baker is clearly a very violent man who will go to desperate measures to get what he wants" - DC Gen Wood

Investigating officer Detective Constable Gen Wood said: "Baker is clearly a very violent man who will go to desperate measures to get what he wants.

"This attack was unprovoked and calculated against an innocent man who was just trying to do his job. He put his victim through a traumatic ordeal and spared no thought for his welfare.

"This sentence will see him behind bars for a significant time where he will not be able to cause harm to the public."

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