A HAMMER wielding robber stormed a shop to steal £3,000 worth of cigarettes in his 77th criminal offence.

Michael Strowlger was hauled back before the courts after targeting a series of convenience stores across Basildon.

The notorious 30-year-old crook has been handed various jail terms in recent years, with his latest spree seeing him jump over a counter with a hammer and threaten an employee.

In another theft, he requested various items from the shopkeeper and grabbed the goods off the counter shouting “thanks love” before sprinting from the store.

Strowlger, of Sandringham Road, Basildon, appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday via video link with his arm in a sling.

He admitted robbery, three thefts and having a hammer.

Kevin Toomey, representing Strowlger, claimed he had been diagnosed with Covid while in prison and that his arm had swollen as an “unusual symptom” of the virus.

Prosecuting, Gareth Hughes told the court Strowlger had gone twice to the Texaco garage in Whitmore Way, Basildon on September 29, the first time picking up groceries and walking out without paying.

Then on the same night at 10.55pm he returned, jumped over the counter and bagged up cigarettes worth £1,382.

Mr Hughes said: “The third theft was on October 10 at the Londis shop in Vange, Basildon. He approached the counter and asked for cigarettes and scratch cards.

“The worker placed them on the counter, and had her hand on the items, and when she turned away and removed her hand he said ‘thanks love’ grabbed the items and left.

“The robbery was on the same day at the Esso garage in Laindon at 6.25am.

“He came into the shop and was holding a hammer and he then said to the shop employee to open the cash drawer.

“He got behind the till, made the threats and got cigarettes valued between £2,000 and £3,000.”

Mr Hughes said Strowlger had 33 convictions for 77 offences.

Mr Toomey said Strowlger had suffered since losing his mother at the age of 20, and had a “serious addiction to heroin and crack cocaine”.

Recorder Paul Sharkey said Strowlger’s robbery must have been “very scary indeed” and jailed him for two years and six months.