Eastbourne Man Jailed After East Grinstead Post Office Robbery Attempts

An Eastbourne man has been jailed after threatening Post Office staff and members of the public during a series of incidents in East Grinstead.

Connor Gooderson used a metal pole and wine bottle during an attempted robbery at the Post Office on May 30.

The 23-year-old, from Cavendish Place, Eastbourne, forced his way into the shop before going into a staff-only area.

He then emerged carrying the pole and bottle and demanded that employees open a secure door and hand over money.

Gooderson left the premises, but returned shortly afterwards and tried to get back inside.

Staff kept the door closed and shutters down to protect customers, before Gooderson threw the wine bottle at the glass door, damaging it.

He then threatened a 13-year-old boy who had been filming what was happening and chased him into a nearby KFC.

Gooderson demanded the boy's mobile phone and pointed a fire extinguisher at him.

Police officers arrested him, but he continued to behave aggressively, attempting to headbutt and bite an officer before spitting at them.

Gooderson was subsequently charged with two counts of attempted robbery, criminal damage and two assaults on emergency workers.

He admitted the offences at Brighton Crown Court on July 15 and was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison.

Mid Sussex District Commander Chief Inspector Steve Turner said the behaviour had caused concern among members of the public and threatened Post Office staff.

He also praised officers for dealing with Gooderson despite the abuse and physical threats they faced.

The senior officer said the case demonstrated police determination to work with businesses to tackle abuse towards retail staff, adding that such behaviour "should not be seen as part of the job".