A Forest of Dean shopkeeper has bravely spoken out about the harrowing experience of being robbed at knifepoint near Lydney. The chilling incident occurred on Sunday, October 26 last year, when 27-year-old Eksteen De Villiers entered the convenience store with his face partially covered and wielding a large knife.
CCTV footage released by Gloucestershire Constabulary on January 16 vividly captures De Villiers aggressively brandishing the knife as he demands the shopkeeper open the till and hand over money. Despite his menacing behavior and repeated threats, the shopkeeper resisted, using his walking stick to defend himself as De Villiers lunged towards him.
Although no money was handed over, De Villiers stole two bottles of spirits before fleeing. Police identified and arrested him after reviewing the footage, aided by images showing him without the balaclava. Officers recovered the knife, the bottles, and clothing matching what De Villiers wore, found discarded nearby by a police dog handler.
READ MORE: American Woman’s Funny Culture Shock in the Cotswolds: The British ‘All Right’ Mystery
READ MORE: George Skivington Reflects on Gloucester’s Tough Defeat to Toulon and Injury Woes
In a heartfelt victim impact statement read at Gloucester Crown Court, the shopkeeper described the deep psychological scars left by the ordeal. He revealed ongoing panic attacks when alone in his shop, fear of having his back turned to the door, and sleepless nights haunted by gruesome flashbacks. “I truly thought I was going to die that day,” he admitted. “The image of the large knife coming so close to stabbing me plays over and over in my nightmares.”
Despite the terror, the shopkeeper fought back with everything he had, acknowledging he was fortunate to survive.
De Villiers pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was sentenced to five years in prison and issued a 10-year restraining order preventing him from entering the area.
Sergeant Nick Wheeler from the Forest of Dean Neighbourhood Policing team condemned the attack, emphasizing its impact on the community’s sense of safety. “This was a vicious robbery that has left many feeling vulnerable. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime. We will not tolerate actions that spread fear and intimidation,” he said.
He added hope that De Villiers would reflect on his actions during his time in prison and that the community can begin to heal.