AN ARMED robber who held a sales assistant at knifepoint before stealing nearly £600 from a till has been jailed for four years.

Cheryl Hemmings, of Linton Close, Redditch, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, where she admitted robbing a One Stop Shop in the town’s Winyates Centre in March.

The 27-year-old went into the store at about 6.45pm on March 28, where a sales assistant in her early 20s was serving other customers.

Hemmings pointed a large knife at the assistant, demanded money and then stole £575.97 in cash from the till before fleeing from the scene on foot.

She had previously been banned from the store, but was recognised by the sales assistant even though her face was partially covered by a scarf. She also recognised her voice.

Following sentencing, Det Sgt Adam Hartwright, of Redditch CID, said: “Although Hemmings initially denied her involvement several witnesses provided statements to the contrary. We would like to thank them for their contribution to the investigation which was significant in helping us secure a conviction.

“This was a nasty offence and we, along with the courts, treat knife crime very seriously indeed and that is reflected by the sentence she has received. Hemmings is a well known local criminal who fully deserves to be behind bars.

“Hopefully that will provide some reassurance to people who have been victims of her offending. Robberies like this are relatively rare but when they do happen we will dedicate all the resources at our disposal in order to ensure that those responsible are caught and made to pay for their crimes.”

A separate charge of possessing an offensive weapon was left on file and Hemmings was ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge.