A masked man wearing a balaclava and armed with a six-inch knife stole cash from a petrol station worker in Prudhoe, Northumberland, earlier this year. Reece Gillon, 34, entered the Asda garage on Front Street at approximately 7:25 a.m. on April 26 while the employee was working alone, according to court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court.

During the incident, Gillon reportedly pointed the knife at the worker’s chest, demanding, “Open the till, give me the money.” The worker complied, and Gillon took £178.12 before fleeing the scene. Police responded promptly and recovered the knife from nearby grass close to the crime location.

Following his arrest, Gillon’s mobile phone was seized, revealing messages referencing his use of gloves and balaclava during the robbery, as well as communications about potentially hiding the clothing worn during the offence. Gillon, of Acorn Square, Prudhoe, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article at an earlier hearing, and was sentenced remotely to three-and-a-half years in prison.

Prosecutor Neil Pallister outlined Gillon’s previous convictions, including a robbery charge from 2010 and participation in violent disorder connected to the 2013 riots after a football match between Sunderland and Newcastle. Defence counsel Jamie Adams highlighted Gillon’s troubled background, citing exposure to domestic violence, early behavioural issues, and drug use beginning around age 12. Adams noted Gillon’s ongoing struggles with mental health and substance abuse, including crack cocaine, and stated that financial pressures related to drug dependency motivated the crime.

Adams further detailed the personal consequences Gillon faces, indicating that he is currently barred from contact with his two children and expressed remorse for his actions. “He doesn’t like himself for it,” Adams told the court.

Sentencing the defendant, Recorder Andrew Latimer emphasised the vulnerability of workers operating alone, describing the victim as simply earning a living on a quiet Sunday morning. The judge stressed that while Gillon’s circumstances are complex, the victim remains the person who suffered from the offence. Latimer expressed hope that Gillon would receive appropriate support while incarcerated to enable reintegration into society without posing future risks.