STAFF from a Petersfield jeweller have been praised by a judge for their bravery during a robbery at the High Street shop. Hayley Mayell and Sally Broughton were left traumatised after the incident, which took place at Trevor Towner Goldsmith last summer. Last week David Osborne, of Marchwood, near Southampton, was convicted of robbing the jeweller of rings valued at more than £5,735. And sentencing him to eight years in jail, Judge John Boggis QC said he had been convicted on "overwhelming evidence". He praised the two shop assistants for their courage in trying to protect the rings. The court heard that staff were uncomfortable when Osborne first came into the shop wearing a baseball cap and dark glasses. He asked to see a ring, but then left, saying he wanted to compare rings at rival businesses in the town. Twenty minutes later he returned and left the front door open. As Hayley Mayell held out three diamond rings he lunged forward, grabbed the rings and rushed to the door. Miss Mayell and Mrs Broughton valiantly tried to stop him, but he shook them off, pushing Mrs Broughton in the chest before punching her on the left arm. This week after the sentencing Mrs Broughton told The Herald: "It was a traumatic experience, but we have had very good support from our families, from work and from the police." "We were determined that he would not get away with it and that he should be brought to court, and Haley did a very positive identification which was a great help." "The worst thing was having to go to court several times before we actually gave evidence, but we are both glad we did it and the police have been wonderful, they were with us and very supportive throughout the court case."
