A shocking incident took place at a Greggs in Queensferry when a man brandishing a knife demanded a staff member open the till. The worker, understandably petrified, managed to escape to a back room, calling for a manager and locking the door behind them. Later identified as Leon Langford, the 49-year-old left empty-handed but not before terrifying the employee.
This wasn’t the only crime Langford committed that day. He also attempted theft at an Asda, tried to ram a TV through a fire exit, and later stole bottles of cognac and port from a Tesco, as well as items from a Spar. Langford had a history of offences, with 38 convictions for 100 crimes, including theft and robbery.
In court, he pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a knife in public, along with several theft charges. He expressed shame and apologised, claiming he suffers from mental health issues and addiction. However, the judge was sceptical about his remorse due to his lengthy criminal record.
The judge sentenced Langford to 54 months in prison, highlighting the seriousness of the crime and stating, “You are not entitled to threaten hard-working people.” As for the Greggs employee, they remain shaken, fearing a repeat of the ordeal and losing trust in people.
It’s a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by retail workers and the bravery many of them show in terrifying situations. Stay safe out there!