A 27-year-old man, Eksteen De Villiers, has been sentenced to five years in prison after attempting to rob a shopkeeper at knifepoint in the Forest of Dean. The incident occurred on October 26, 2025, at a convenience store near Lydney.
De Villiers entered the shop wearing a balaclava and armed with a large knife. He demanded money from the till and lunged at the shopkeeper. In a desperate act of self-defense, the shopkeeper fought back using his walking stick. Despite repeated demands, no money was handed over. As De Villiers fled, he stole two bottles of spirits.
Police identified De Villiers after reviewing CCTV footage that showed him without his balaclava before entering the store. Upon arrest, officers recovered the knife and stolen spirits. Clothing matching what De Villiers wore was found nearby by a police dog handler.
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During sentencing at Gloucester Crown Court on December 9, De Villiers received a five-year prison term and a 10-year restraining order barring him from the area.
The victim shared a powerful personal impact statement, revealing the lasting trauma caused by the attack. He described suffering panic attacks, flashbacks, and nightmares in the weeks following the incident. “I truly thought I was going to die that day,” he said. “I fought him with everything I had and feel lucky to be alive.”
Sergeant Nick Wheeler of the Forest of Dean Neighbourhood Policing team emphasized the severity of the crime and its effect on the community. He stated, “We will not tolerate anyone subjecting our communities to this level of fear and intimidation,” and expressed hope that De Villiers will reflect on his choices during his time in prison.