Man filmed slashing at supermarket worker with knife during robbery

A serial burglar who was caught on CCTV lunging at a supermarket worker with a knife has been jailed.

Josh James, along with his partner Bobbie Reynolds, carried out a combined 18 offences between October 18, 2022, and March 19 of this year.

Their first offence happened in a shop in Bristol and showed James, 33, slash the knife at a shop worker.

The pair had been stealing in the shop before being confronted by an employee.

James then grabbed Reynolds’ weapon and lunged at the staff member before smashing the shop door and trying to get back inside.

Over the next five months James’ crime spree continued, including robbing the same man on three separate occasions at knifepoint.

He then carried out a string of burglaries on a student block and an office block, accompanied by Reynolds on one occasion, stealing laptops and other expensive items.

The pair also broke into a block of flats in the city, raiding the parcel storage and stealing a bike.

Bobbie Reynolds had her prison sentence suspended (Picture: Avon and Somerset Constabulary/SWNS)

Josh James went on a five-month crime spree (Picture: Avon and Somerset Constabulary/SWNS)

James was caught slashing at a shop worker with a knife (Picture: Avon and Somerset Constabulary/SWNS)

Police were able to identify James and Reynolds through CCTV and witness evidence (Picture: Avon and Somerset Constabulary/SWNS)

James, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 18 offences, including three counts of robbery, nine counts of burglary, one of aggravated burglary and one of being in possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Reynolds, 30, of Leinster Avenue, Bristol pleaded guilty to affray, being in possession of a bladed article, battery and four counts of burglary.

She was linked to three of the 18 offences: the shoplifting incident in October, the burglary from a student block in February, and a burglary at Lewins Mead in March.

The pair appeared at Bristol crown court last month where James was jailed for eight years and Reynolds was handed a two-year sentence, suspended for two years.

Investigating officer PC Hannah Baynham, said: ‘Through witnesses and good quality CCTV, we were able to link James and Reynolds’ series of crimes and hold them to account for the impact they have had on the victims.

‘Burglary and robbery are extremely seriously crimes and we recognise the profound impact offences can have on victims, leaving them feeling unsafe in their homes and workplaces.

‘James is dangerous and it is clear from the extent of his offending, that he has no awareness of the impact his actions have had on the lives of others.

‘I hope his sentence will be welcomed by his victims and I hope Reynolds makes the most of her rehabilitation activities.’

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‘James is dangerous and it is clear from the extent of his offending, that he has no awareness of the impact his actions have had on the lives of others.’