A Catford man who held a shotgun to the head of a Tesco cashier during a violent raid has been jailed for 16 years.  

Edward Woodbridge, 43, of Ardgowan Road, cycled to the Surrey Quays supermarket on September 12, 2019, entering with a single-barrelled shotgun and knife at around 6.40am.

He held the gun to the cashier’s head, threatening him with a knife and demanding that the safe be opened.

News Shopper:

When he discovered there was no safe, he demanded the contents of the till.

As Woodbridge entered the till area, the cashier, a man aged 40s, in fear for his life, took the opportunity to disarm Woodbridge of the knife and a violent struggle ensued. 

During the incident he sustained deep cuts to his head, neck and hand which required significant medical treatment.

Woodbridge, having helped himself to cigarettes and less than £250 from the till, fled the store on the bike he parked outside to speed up his getaway, in the direction of New Cross.

Investigating officers found that Woodbridge had planned the robbery in advance, conducting reconnaissance in the area on the morning of the robbery before entering.

Following an armed operation, Woodbridge was arrested at his home address in Ardgowan Road, Catford, on Friday, 1 November 1, 2019.

He was taken to Bromley Police Station where he was charged that same day with robbery, possession of a firearm whilst committing a Schedule 1 offence, threatening a person with a bladed/sharply pointed article in public place and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on Saturday, 2 November 2019 where he was further remanded to await trial.

On Thursday, January 7 2021, following a trial at the Inner London Crown Court Woodbridge was found guilty of robbery, possession of a firearm or imitation firearm whilst committing a schedule 1 offence, possession of an offensive weapon and GBH with intent.

He was remanded in custody to await sentence.

Detective Inspector Gail Lilley, of the Flying Squad, said: “It was sheer luck that the injuries inflicted on the victim were not life threatening, his quick thinking actions in disarming Woodbridge of the knife may well have saved him from even more serious harm.

“I applaud his actions, although, I know from years of investigative experience that the effects of becoming a victim of violent crime can linger far beyond the healing of wounds.

“Woodbridge left the store with some cigarettes and £234, a haul that will cost him 16 years of his freedom, something on which he can reflect as he serves his sentence.”