A footage, released by police, shows the dramatic scuffle between masked men and a convenience store owner in Shoreham-by-Sea.
Sussex Police said Samuel Brown ‘wrenched’ a till from the shop counter at The Beach Shop in Ferry Road on Halloween last year. He also assaulted a member of staff, who bravely fought him off. This moment is shown in dramatic CCTV footage, released by the police following the conclusion of legal proceedings.
Brown was jailed earlier this month in connection with the incident.
Shopkeeper Neha Patel quickly informed the police while another staff member pursued Brown and tackled him to the floor in a nearby garden.
"He was assaulted in the process, as was an occupant of the house who came out to assist," reports quotes a police spokesperson as saying.
The homeowner reportedly pinned Brown to the ground restrained him for around 15 minutes during which he was violent as he was continually trying to break free.
The two men managed to detain Brown prior to police arrival. Brown was arrested and charged with robbery and two counts of assault, police said.
“He pleaded guilty to all offences, which occurred on October 31 last year, and was sentenced to a total of 49 months’ imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on March 1," added the police spokesperson.
Police have now confirmed that a 33-year-old man from Worthing was also arrested in connection with the incident but he was ‘later released without charge’.
Investigating officer Richard Emmett said: “I have to commend the courage of the three victims involved in this case, who put themselves in harms way in order to detain the defendant and help bring him to justice.
“Robbery is an extremely serious offence which comes with serious consequences, and Brown now faces a lengthy period behind bars for his actions.”
