Tedros Menges, 22, returned to the shop with a saw after realising he had left behind his mobile phone during the initial robbery
A saw-wielding shoplifter who attacked a security guard before strangling a store manager has been jailed for 10 years. Tedros Menges, of Holbrook Close in Enfield, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, July 17 after previously being convicted of grievous bodily harm, non‑fatal strangulation, attempted robbery, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.
Police rushed to the scene two minutes after staff had triggered a panic alarm, and after a short police, arrested him in Southbury Leisure Park. The court later heard how Menges had tried to steal jogging bottoms and fled once being spotted.
But realising he has left his phone behind, he came back for it. When staff refused to hand it over, he left again only this time when he returned, he was armed with a saw.
Chief Superintendent Anna McCartney, who is responsible for policing in North London including Enfield, said: “Violence and abuse directed at shopworkers has a real impact on victims, businesses and the wider community. Staff should never have to fear for their safety while doing their jobs.
“This dangerous attack left two people injured and the sentence today reflects the severity of the offending.
“Those who think they can intimidate or harm retail workers should be under no illusion – we will pursue offenders relentlessly, take weapons off the streets and bring those responsible before the courts. The Met remains fully committed to protecting shopworkers and tackling retail‑related violence across London.”
Menges must serve a minimum of two-thirds of his 10 year sentence in prison which will be followed by a three-year extended period on licence. The Metropolitan Police said it highlights their continued focus on tackling shopworker abuse and retail‑related violence, through increased neighbourhood patrols and close work with businesses to identify and arrest harmful and prolific offenders.
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