Stockings alibi clears 'shop raider'

A man accused of robbing a village store at knifepoint has been cleared by a jury at Lincoln Crown Court. Stefan Cummins was alleged to have entered the Spar in Washingborough with a stocking mask over his face before pulling out a knife and demanding cash. The prosecution claimed he stole more than £500 before fleeing to a getaway car parked 200 metres away.

The jury was told police found a stocking and a knife sheath in a hedgerow on the route taken by the robber to the getaway car. Forensic tests revealed the presence of Cummins's DNA on both items and his dandruff on the stocking.



Cummins' former girlfriend Emma Hought told the jury he arrived home with a wad of bank notes and claimed he later confessed to the robbery. But Cummins denied he was involved and said he had never been to the shop. He said he was at home looking after his two children at the time of the robbery and said Ms Hought had lied to the jury to get him locked up.

Cummins said the stocking found in the hedgerow was part of a St Trinians outfit owned by Ms Hought and his DNA was on the stocking because Ms Hought wore it during a sex session in his car that took place after they drove to the area. Cummins said he threw the item out of the car. Cummins, 27, of Manse Avenue, Lincoln, denied robbery on December 9 last year. He was cleared of intimidating Emma Hought, a witness in the case, by making a threat to her on July 23 this year.