Two men jailed for over ten years between them after shoplifting and robbery spree in Hartlepool

Pic: Liam Gascoigne, who was sentenced to six years and four months.

Two men who embarked on a spree of shoplifting and robbery at convenience stores in Hartlepool have been jailed on Monday 23rd September.

Liam Gascoigne, 33, and Keith Casey, 30, have now been sentenced to over ten years between them.

The pair targeted The Bungalow Shop on Stratford Road in Hartlepool early in the morning of Thursday 4th April this year, stealing alcohol. They then moved onto Morrison’s Daily on Clavering Road just an hour later, and barged behind the counter where they stole £1,000 worth of tobacco, squaring up to a member of the public with a walking stick when he approached them.

The next day, Friday 5th April, the pair carried out a robbery at Morrisons on Brierton Lane where Gascoigne branded a crowbar at two female members of staff before taking cigarettes from behind the counter and Gascoigne attempted to get into the till.

They then calmly walked out of the store, with Gascoigne brazenly saying “thanks” to the shop workers.

They were also sentenced for other offences. Casey, of no fixed address, admitted three counts of criminal damage to homes and a car in Moyne Gardens, on April 5.

Whilst Gascoigne, of Annandale Crescent, also admitted actual bodily harm to his then partner in a drug-fuelled unprovoked assault in March. The victim was left with bruises and a black eye. He also admitted racially aggravated harassment towards staff and members of the public at James Cook hospital.

Pic: Keith Casey, who was sentenced to four years and 11 months.

Gascoigne was jailed for six years and four months while Casey was locked up for four years and 11 months.

Detective Inspector Louise Sproson said: “The threat to staff and customers in these stores was despicable, as they brazenly walked into shops taking what they wanted.

“I’m pleased that these sentences reflect the serious nature of these offences and hope that it sends a message to others thinking that they can threaten the public and steal from shops.”

Cleveland Police is currently highlighting the issue of robbery and raising awareness of personal safety advice which could help protect members of the public.

For more information about the campaign and to read the advice, please visit: www.cleveland.police.uk/personalsafety2024