A PROLIFIC criminal has been jailed for ten years after a crime spree spanning 12 months.

Carl Stocker, of no fixed abode, was imprisoned for ten years at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to two robberies, assault, fraud and drug offences.

On May 5, 2020, Stocker was detained after running from officers who had seen him exit a suspicious vehicle.

A search of the area and the 30-year-old’s jacket found a discarded bag containing eight wraps of crack cocaine and a quantity of cash.

He was arrested for possession with the intent to supply crack cocaine and offering to supply crack cocaine.

On April 29 this year, Stocker approached a Hermes delivery driver on Menzies Road, St Leonards, about 11.30am and told her there was a leak coming from her van.

As she went to check, Stocker got into the driver’s seat and an altercation ensued as the Hermes driver attempted to grab the keys back from him.

Stocker managed to drive away in the van with the victim’s bag still inside. She was later made aware her bank cards were being used in shops.

The Argus: Carl Stocker, of no fixed abode, was imprisoned for ten years at Lewes Crown Court on July 13Carl Stocker, of no fixed abode, was imprisoned for ten years at Lewes Crown Court on July 13

The following day, Stocker leapt over the counter of a Co-op store in Battle Road, St Leonards, and threatened to stab a shop worker if she did not fill a bag with cigarettes and open the till.

After taking around £500 in cigarettes and £200 in cash, Stocker was grabbed by a member of the public but released after again threatening to stab them.

Despite escaping the scene, he was arrested later that day after the shop worker was able to identify him to officers. During his arrest, Stocker was also found to be in possession of heroin.

He was subsequently charged with robbery and common assault for the Co-op incident, as well as robbery and fraud by false representation following the theft of the Hermes van and possession of a Class A drug.

Sergeant Andrew Smithson said: “Carl Stocker is a prolific offender whose crimes had a significant impact on his victims and the community as a whole.

“Thanks to the swift work of our officers he was quickly taken into custody following his latest offences and this conviction shows that criminals who bring fear and harm to our communities and target local businesses will be brought to justice.”

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