A 27 year old man has been sentenced following a robbery at commercial premises earlier this year.

Kurtis Johnston was sentenced at Laganside Crown Court on Thursday 14th December to six and a half years for robbery, half in custody and half on licence, as well as 28 months, half in custody and half on licence running concurrently for wounding with intent.

On 10th January 2023, Johnston entered a jewellers located in a shopping centre at the Longwood Road area of Newtownabbey at around 9:15am to see a ring on display. A female member of staff presented the ring, an 18ct white gold Vera Wang ring, in which Johnston grabbed and attempted to make off from the shop. Another female staff member attempted to stop Johnston from leaving and he punched her in the face, causing injuries including broken teeth, cuts to her lip and swelling and pain to her jaw. Through CCTV footage, officers identified Johnston and arrested him in relation to the incident.

This was a particularly vicious attack on a staff member who believed she was helping a member of the public. It was a completely unprovoked attack, which no one should ever have to encounter at their place of work.

Today’s sentencing hopefully sends a clear message that police will endeavour to bring those responsible before the courts, and victims receive the justice they deserve.