Watch: Man’s terrifying axe rampage in Tesco

This is the moment Tesco shoppers and staff fled in terror as a man brandishing an axe went on a rampage through a supermarket

Danhi Smith, 27, was caught on camera chasing a security guard, smashing tills and a cashpoint at a Tesco store in Purley in January 2019.

Footage of the incident showed Smith brandishing the weapon as shoppers ran for their lives.

Smith was jailed for two years and two months at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday.

“People were in terror throughout the store,” said Recorder Andrew Burns QC.

“Lots of people were shopping in Tesco in Purley, and you shattered the peace and quiet when you tried to break into a cash machine outside the store, repeatedly smashing it with an axe.”

CCTV showed security guards going to investigate the commotion, but turning to flee as Smith - whose face was concealed under a scarf - came towards them with the axe. 

“You went into the store, following a number of children and their parents and casually smashed a CCTV monitor and then attacked three self-checkout points with the axe.”

The court heard Smith was later identified thanks to DNA on a bag he dropped in the supermarket. 

A woman suffered an arm injury as she fell while fleeing through the staff entrance with other shoppers.

Danhi Smith terrified customers after running through Tesco with an axe
CPS

“You ran after them through the bank warehouse exit with your axe raised above your head in a manner that can only be described as extremely threatening,” the judge said.

Hailing the Tesco staff who tried to shield the public from Smith, he added: “I’m sure they felt like they were running for their lives. 

“Once outside you finished your rampage by attacking a lorry. This was a terrifying incident for all the people present, it makes people feel unsafe to go out in public and has an impact on the wider community who hear about it.” 

The court heard how Smith, who has a catalogue of previous convictions, had stopped taking his bipolar medication at the time of the incident. 

He told probation he had “gone off the rails” following a tragedy in his personal life. 

Smith, from Sittingbourne in Kent, pleaded guilty to affray, possession of an offensive weapon, and criminal damage. He was sentenced to 26 months in prison. 

Joanna Coleman, from the CPS, said: “This was a frightening incident inside a busy Tesco supermarket filled with customers and staff.

“Many of those inside feared for their lives as Danhi Smith chased them with an axe.

“We will never know why Smith armed himself with a weapon that day, and chose to carry out such a violent rampage around a supermarket, but I hope this prosecution shows that the CPS will prosecute those who offend in this way.”

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