Man who smashed wine bottle over shopworker’s head jailed for over 15 years

A man who smashed a wine bottle over a shopworker’s head and held a screwdriver to the ribs of another shopworker has been jailed for more than 15 years. 

Zach Porter, 30, stole a haul of chocolate bars from Derby Street Store in Atherton on 4 January 2024. He then tried to access the till and struck a staff member with a bottle of wine to prevent the panic alarm from being triggered.

Porter then tried to grab some cigarettes before running out of the store, Greater Manchester Police said.

The same day, he entered a wine shop and held a ‘5” flat head screwdriver’ against a staff member, demanding they open the till. The member of staff opened the till and he snatched cigarettes from the drawer and took bank notes to the value of £215 to £225.

Porter was sentenced to 15 years and three months in prison at Bolton Crown Court after being found guilty of a number of offences including robbery, theft, possession of a knife and threatening with a weapon.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Rigby from Greater Manchester Police’s Wigan District said: “Robbery can be a traumatic experience for victims, and no one should have to feel threatened in their place of work. We want to ensure the people of Wigan are able to go about their day safely and confidently.

“I hope this sentence sends a clear message that we take this type of crime very seriously and will pursue offenders who frighten and intimidate members of the public and take from local businesses.”