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Robber jailed after shopkeeper, 82, fought him off with her walking stick

This is the remarkable moment a heroic 82-year-old shopkeeper fought off a robber – using just her walking stick.

Aaron Mountford attempted to steal from the till at AJ and J Newsagents in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, in September last year.

But June Turner, who has run the store for 45 years, was caught on CCTV as she refused to hand over any money and began going “hell for leather” with her walking stick as he came behind the counter.

Footage shows Mountford, disguised with a blue sleeping bag wrapped around his head, demanding cash and cigarettes.

Jane Turner fighting the robber off with her walking stick. (SWNS)
Jane Turner fighting the robber off with her walking stick (SWNS)

Ms Turner can be seen in the footage hitting Mountford, 28, with her stick and clobbering him over the head as he went for the till.

After beating her to the ground, Mountford fled the shop with just £50 and six packs of cigarettes.

After an appeal to hunt the robber down, homeless Mountford was arrested days later.

On Friday, Mountford who is already serving a four-and-a-half jail term, was sentenced to a further two years after admitting robbery at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

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The judge also awarded Ms Turner £250 from the High Sheriff for her bravery.

Detective constable Simon Chawner, of Staffordshire Police, said: “This was a violent and aggressive attack on a vulnerable elderly woman for the sake of stealing just £50 in cash.

“Although we don’t recommend that people take matters into their own hands, the actions of the woman in this case were brave and selfless.

“We’re glad that Mountford has now been sentenced.”

Mountford wrapped his head in a blue sleeping bag. (SWNS)
Mountford wrapped his head in a blue sleeping bag (SWNS)
June Turner with her walking stick. (SWNS)
June Turner with her walking stick. (SWNS)

Speaking at the time of the raid, fearless June said she was prepared to defend her family business "by any means necessary".

Ms Turner, who has three grandchildren and lives in Hanley, said: "I acted on instinct really. I thought there's no way he's having the money we work so hard to make.

"I wish I'd had something a bit harder with me, so I could have finished him off and knocked him out.

"I thought it was some sort of set-up but then he came up to the counter and said 'I want your money'.

"I said 'you're not having my money' and with that he came round the back of the counter and got some money from the till.

"I saw him with a £20 note in his hand and then I couldn't find the panic button so I got my stick and I really belted him with it. I went hell for leather on him.”

Mountford admitted robbery at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday. (SWNS)
Mountford admitted robbery at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday. (SWNS)