Knife-wielding Burgess Hill robber locked up for nearly four years
A masked thug who terrorised Co-op staff in Burgess Hill with a knife has been sentenced to 3 years and 9 months behind bars.
Masked raids left shop workers shaken
David Tree, 31, struck at multiple Co-op stores across Burgess Hill in June and July 2022. Wearing either a mask or balaclava, he demanded money from terrified staff, threatening them with a knife. His brazen attacks left employees rattled and on edge.
Police track getaway car and make arrest
Police from the Specialist Enforcement Unit traced Tree’s vehicle leading to his arrest. Crawley CID officers charged him after a thorough investigation.
Court hears chilling details of robberies
At Lewes Crown Court on June 6, Tree pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, one attempted robbery, three counts of possessing a blade, and being equipped for theft.
- June 19, 2022: Tree targeted the Co-op on Terracotta Lane just before closing, ordering staff to hand over cash from the safe.
- July 12: He returned to the same store, escaping via the fire exit with cash after threatening staff with a knife.
- July 16: Wearing a balaclava, he brandished a knife at the Junction Road Co-op as it opened but fled when he couldn’t get inside.
- July 25: Tree was spotted again with a knife by staff but left when unable to enter, escaping in the tracked vehicle.
Tree, of Golden Hill, Burgess Hill, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his spate of violent robberies.
