A robber in Newcastle upon Tyne used a shard of glass to threaten shop workers while stealing alcohol from a Sainsbury's supermarket in June, as newly-released footage reveals. The incident occurred when Liam Ellison, 36, from Ladykirk Road, Elswick, entered the store and made his way to the alcohol section. After taking a pack of beer, store employees confronted him, prompting Ellison to smash a glass bottle, which scattered shards across the floor. Ellison then took a sharp metal tent peg and pointed it at the staff before grabbing a shard of glass, threatening to stab them if they didn’t move. Despite being shown CCTV footage of the robbery and his threatening behavior, Ellison denied the offenses and showed no remorse for his actions. The footage provides a clear depiction of the confrontation and the manner in which the robbery was carried out. Ellison had previously pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing an offensive weapon in an earlier court hearing. As a result, he was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison. The case highlights the use of makeshift weapons in crimes and the role of surveillance footage in bringing perpetrators to justice. The incident underscores the risks faced by retail staff in such situations and the importance of security measures in stores. Ellison’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions, including the threat of violence against employees. The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for those who commit crimes involving both theft and threats of harm.