Man with pink hammer and yellow marigold gloves jailed for robberies and burglaries
A man with a pink hammer has been sentenced for his involvement in a series of robberies and burglaries over a four-day period.
Steven Kearney, 50, of no fixed address, targeted multiple stores between 26 and 29 December. Armed with a pink hammer, yellow marigold gloves and a bag for life, he threatened staff and forced his way behind counters to steal large quantities of tobacco products.
The incidents took place at Co op, High Street, Bishop’s Waltham; Co op, High Street, Hamble; Co-op, Coronation Parade, Hamble; and Mr Local, Thornhill Park Road, Southampton. He also targeted Premier, Wodehouse Road, Southampton; Tesco, St Luke’s Close, Hedge End; Co op, Nursling; and One Stop, Kendal Avenue, Southampton.
During the incidents, staff were frequently threatened with the hammer, and in some instances ordered to get on the floor. At one location, when challenged by staff, Kearney smashed a glass panel in a door in order to flee the scene.
Following enquiries, officers identified a vehicle believed to be linked to the series of robberies and on Monday 29 December, with support from the National Police Air Service (NPAS), the blue Renault Captur he was in was located.
As officers approached, items were seen being thrown from the car, including a bag for life matching that seen in CCTV from several incidents. The bag was later recovered and found to contain the pink hammer and yellow marigold gloves used by Kearney.
Kearney appeared at Southampton Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery and four counts of burglary. Appearing at the same court last Wednesday (January 4), he was sentenced to four years imprisonment.
DI Claire Shawley said: “This was a series of frightening offences in which staff members simply going about their work were threatened and intimidated. Kearney showed a clear willingness to use violence to get what he wanted, and the impact on those involved should not be underestimated.
“Thanks to the swift work of officers on the ground, supported by NPAS, we were able to identify the vehicle, recover key evidence and bring Kearney before the courts. I hope this outcome offers reassurance to the communities affected that we will always take robust action against those who commit violent crime.”