Prolific criminal given six year sentence for knifepoint shop robbery

A Llansamlet man with a string of previous offences, has been sentenced to six years in prison after robbing a Plasmarl convenience store at knifepoint.

Gavin Tainton, aged 39, from Walters Road, Llansamlet was sentenced on Tuesday (19th April), to six years in prison for robbery and possession of a bladed article.

The robbery took place on Friday 18 February at Premier Slee Stores on Neath Road, Plasmarl where Gavin Tainton entered the store with a knife and demanded money be handed over.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Tainton, who has 25 previous offences including burglary and theft, was on licence at the time having served only part of 14 year sentence for tying up and robbing an 88 year-old pensioner in her own home in 2015.

A guilty plea was entered at a pre-trial preliminary hearing. He was sentenced to six years for the robbery with 18 months to be served concurrently for the possession of offensive weapon offence. He is now also classed as a Dangerous Offender.

Detective Sergeant Simon Davies from South Wales Police said: “We will never tolerate knife crime in our communities and this was a very alarming incident for the staff. I am pleased that, following our quick and thorough investigation, justice has been done for them and hopefully this sentence will help the victims recover from their ordeal.”

(Lead image: South Wales Police)