Armed knifeman likely to face prison after attempted shop robbery

William Thorne, 24, entered Broadwey Village Stores in Dorchester Road, Weymouth on Saturday, July 24 armed with a kitchen knife in a bid to rob the store.

Thorne threatened and assaulted the store owner, Kevin Kanthan, and demanded he handed over money.

Mr Kanthan however overpowered Thorne and chased him out of the store. Thorne was arrested and charged.

The damage caused to Broadwey Village Stores in Weymouth. Picture: Kevin Kanthan

Thorne, of Frome in Somerset, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, criminal damage to the store and possession of a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place.

Sitting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Judge Jonathan Fuller described his actions as ‘serious’ and warned Thorne he will face a prison sentence.

Mitigating, Mary Aspinall-Miles, said Thorne had been released on conditional bail in August and had been placed under curfew at his parents' home.

William Thorne. Picture: Dorset Echo

She added that Thorne had not reoffended since being released on bail.

Ms Aspinall-Miles said: “The report from the doctor has been a turning point for his behaviour and mediating his behaviour. I can assure you that he has seen his GP to get medication.

“He has been on diazepam as an anti-depressant and also anti-anxiety. It seems his access to alcohol is limited.

Broadwey Village Stores, based in the Upwey and Broadwey area of Weymouth. Picture: Dorset Echo

“He is on curfew living with parents and going from his parents’ home to the chip shop they own and he works at. He is under their watchful eye.”

Due to the seriousness of the charges, Thorne was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, December 2.

The judge called for a psychiatric report and pre-sentence report.