Co-op worker ‘thought she was going to die’ in burglary

Imen Hersi was responsible for no less than eight burglaries at Co-op stores across the capital, including in North Finchley, Friern Barnet and Muswell Hill, between November last year and February.

The 29-year-old drug addict entered stores, brazenly jumped over the counter, assaulted shop workers, then left with bags full of spirits and cigarettes. 

On Friday (October 25) Wood Green Crown Court heard that Hersi, of Mayes Road, Wood Green, regularly targeted female shop workers. 

One Co-op employee challenged him as he jumped over the counter telling him "oh no you don’t”, but Hersi responded by striking her with his elbow. 

Another employee told police she feared for her life when Hersi assaulted her. 

Imen Hersi (Image: Met Police) He also attempted to steal from a Holland and Barrett shop but was stopped when somebody intervened.

Hersi was eventually brought to justice when he teamed up with 62-year-old David Stephenson on February 21. 

The pair burgled a Co-op store in Barnet; Stephenson was armed with a hammer, with which he beat the cash register. 

After their arrests, Hersi was convicted of eight burglaries, two robberies, a theft and an attempted theft. 

Stephenson, of Brent Cross Gardens in Hendon, was convicted of two burglaries and going equipped for burglary. 

David Stephenson (Image: Met Police) The court heard that both Hersi and Stephenson were addicted to drugs, but both men have been trying to get clean since being remanded in prison. 

Both men have extensive criminal records: Hersi has nine convictions while Stephenson has over 40. 

Judge Timothy Godfrey told Stephenson: “You’re 62, you’re getting too old for this really, this pattern of offending ending up in custody and drug misuse.” 

Hersi was sentenced to five years in prison while Stephenson was sentenced to 13 months. 

Judge Godfrey made Hersi the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from all Co-op and Holland & Barrett stores in London.