A man who carried out two robberies at the Tesco store in Sowerby Bridge over the course of three days has been jailed for 28 months and given a five‑year restraining order banning him from the shop.
Incidents in May involved threats and theft of food
Matthew Greaves, 35, of no fixed abode, admitted two counts of robbery at Bradford Crown Court. Prosecutors said the offences took place in May this year when he entered the supermarket early in the morning on two separate occasions.
On the first visit he put two jars of coffee in a rucksack and, when challenged by a male member of staff, became verbally abusive and then picked up two large rib‑eye steaks. When confronted again, the court was told he made a specific threat to the member of staff.
"Touch me and I’ll jab you with this needle I’ve got with me."
The member of staff retreated and Greaves left with goods valued at about £60. Two days later he returned and was recognised. While rummaging in his bag a capped yellow needle was spotted and staff again kept their distance. He left the second time with meat worth about £58, although that later was recovered when he was arrested nearby.
Criminal history and court reaction
The court heard Greaves has a long record: 58 previous convictions for almost 100 offences. The robberies came only weeks after he had been given a community order.
His barrister, Laura McBride, told the court that drugs had played a central role in his offending and that he did not wish to continue 'in and out of custody'. She also said Greaves had offered to take part in restorative justice and wanted to apologise for his actions.
Recorder Shufqat Khan acknowledged that the offences were committed while Greaves was using heroin and crack cocaine, and imposed a custodial sentence reflecting the seriousness of threatening behaviour in a public place.
Practical details and local impact
The sentence includes a restraining order barring Greaves from entering the Tesco store in Sowerby Bridge for the next five years. The case underlines the risks supermarket staff face from individuals committing acquisitive crime while under the influence of drugs, and the continuing challenge of supporting people with substance misuse problems to avoid repeated offending.
- Defendant: Matthew Greaves, 35, no fixed abode
- Sentence: 28 months in prison
- Restraining order: banned from Sowerby Bridge Tesco for five years
- Previous convictions: 58 convictions for nearly 100 offences
| Incident | Items taken | Approximate value |
|---|---|---|
| First visit (May) | Two jars of coffee; two rib‑eye steaks | ~£60 |
| Second visit (two days later) | Two steaks (recovered after arrest) | £58 |
This case was heard at Bradford Crown Court. Local residents and shop staff may wish to note the outcome and the protective order placed on the premises as an example of how the courts can restrict access to specific locations as part of sentencing in cases involving repeat offending and threats to staff.
