Woman Jailed for 'Terrifying' Hartlepool Robbery

A woman has been jailed for four years and 11 months, after terrifying customers and staff during a robbery at Hartlepool Tesco Express in which a woman was stabbed.

Lydia Hutchinson, 27, stabbed a woman in the back and then pointed the blade at an elderly man’s neck during the robbery in the shop on Catcote Road before making off with between £70 to £100.

Hutchinson, of High Street, Greatham, was arrested soon after the robbery, which took place at 2.30pm on Thursday, 11 May.

All the staff involved were affected with one saying she did not want to go back to work and another not able to eat or sleep afterwards.

Hutchinson admitted robbery, attempted robbery, actual bodily harm assault and having a blade in public.

Superintendent Martin Hopps, District Commander for Hartlepool said: “I welcome the sentence handed to Lydia Hutchinson, who undoubtedly traumatised a number of people when she carried out this terrifying robbery.

“Hartlepool detectives worked hard to identify and bring Hutchinson to justice, leading to Hutchinson being imprisoned by the courts. Well done and thank you to those who came forward and provided evidence, I hope this sentence brings some form of justice. And thanks to those officers who worked on this case which has resulted in another dangerous offender off our streets.”

*** Image of Lydia Hutchinson ***