A jewellery shop worker in Christchurch was praised by a judge for her bravery during a robbery involving two high-value watches.
Matthew Benjamin Wood, aged forty-two and from West Yorkshire, admitted the offence at Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday 16 July. He was jailed for three years and seven months.
Wood entered Christchurch Jewellers in Saxon Square shortly after 11am on Thursday 9 March 2023. He asked to see two watches worth nearly £14,000 in total. He left the store after saying he wanted to speak with his girlfriend before buying.
He returned just over an hour later, grabbed the watches and tried to flee. A staff member shut the door to stop him from leaving. After struggling for about 20 seconds, Wood pushed her aside and escaped.
Dorset Police were called and crime scene investigators recovered fingerprints from the glass display, which identified Wood. He was later arrested in West Yorkshire.
At sentencing, the judge praised the shop worker for her brave response. Dorset Police confirmed no one was physically hurt, but the incident was described as terrifying for staff.
Detective Sergeant Kate Bleese said the evidence led to Wood being held accountable.
