Police were called to a report of a robbery at around 10.25pm on March 14, at Tesco Express on Jubilee Street in Brighton.
Security had been threatened by a man with a knife who was attempting to steal from the shop.
Officers arrived at the scene within five minutes of the call to find staff had secured themselves and several customers inside the store.
After confirming that no one had been injured, officers began making initial enquiries to establish the circumstances of the incident.
CCTV showed Daniel Bowler, 38, loading a basket with alcohol.
A member of security observed his behaviour, and deeming it as suspicious, placed himself between Bowler and the shop door as Bowler attempted to leave without paying for the items.
Bowler proceeded to threaten violence and pulled a knife from his trousers.
Daniel Bowler threatened the Tesco security guard with a knife (Image: Sussex Police)
Quick thinking from the security guard saw Bowler ejected from the shop while recovering as many bottles of alcohol as he could before locking the doors to the store.
Following investigation, officers identified Bowler and arrested him on March 21 on suspicion of robbery.
He was charged the next day with robbery and possession of a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place, and on March 23 appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded into custody.
Bowler appeared at Lewes Crown Court on April 20 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, on June 9, he appeared at Lewes Crown Court again and pleaded guilty to both offences.
Daniel Bowler, 38, of no fixed address was jailed for four years and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.
Detective Police Constable Marlena Duleba-Dowsett, the officer in charge of the case said: “I am pleased to see this offender brought to justice.
“We will not tolerate theft or violence in Sussex.
“Our priority is to protect our communities, and businesses, and we will remain relentless in our pursuit to catch perpetrators of these crimes.”
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