Prolific County Durham thief ripped off shop worker's fingernails when snatching cigarettes

A prolific County Durham thief ripped off a shop worker's fingernails after snatching cigarettes from her.

Liam Edward Smith also caused severe bruising to his victim in Aldi, Bishop Auckland, when he snatched the five packets of cigarettes from her on July 30. Smith also carried out a string of thefts in other supermarkets in Tindale Crescent, at one point assaulting an off-duty officer after being challenged over stolen razor blades.

The 27-year-old was arrested after officers managed to link the offences using CCTV. In total, he was charged with two counts of robbery, assault, assaulting an emergency worker, and six thefts.

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Smith, of Esh Winning, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday (September 25) where he pleaded guilty to all offences. He was sentenced for four years and four-and-a-half months in prison.

DC Cattin, who led the investigation for Durham Constabulary, said: "This incident was understandably distressing for the victims and just shows how little regard Smith has for people or property. We are glad he has been put behind bars."