Petrol station worker ‘feared he was going to die’ during robbery

A petrol station worker has told how he feared he was going to die after being violently attacked by two men.  

Daniel Davis and John Wilson repeatedly stabbed the man at the BP garage on High Northgate, in Darlington, at around 12.50am on Thursday, January 8.  

The pair fled the scene with stolen alcohol and vapes after the attack, leaving the victim laid on the floor behind the counter covered in blood.   

He was found by a member of the public who called the police after hearing the man’s cries for help.  

Officers attended on an immediate response and carried out vital first aid on the victim, who had been stabbed five times, before paramedics arrived. 

They also identified the suspects from the garage’s CCTV, who were arrested at their Darlington homes a short time after the attack. 

Davis, 26, and 39-year-old Wilson both pleaded guilty to robbery and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.  

The pair appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (June 9) for sentencing.

Davis was jailed for 11 years and three months, comprising of eight years and three months in custody, with three years on extended licence. 

Wilson was jailed for 12 years, comprising of nine years in custody, with three years on extended licence.  

In a victim impact statement, the man said: “What happened that night was awful and something I will never forget. The two males attacked me for no reason. When they left and I was laid on the floor bleeding, I did not know if I was going to die. 

“During this incident I sustained numerous injuries. While these have begun to heal, the scars I am left with will remind me of what happened for the rest of my life.  

“Despite this, I hold no ill feeling towards the two males responsible. In fact, I feel sorry for them. They must now deal with the consequences of their actions.” 

Detective Sergeant Subhaan Ali, from Durham Constabulary, led the investigation. He said: “First and foremost, I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case who has shown extraordinary strength and mental fortitude throughout our investigation and subsequent court process.  

“Davis and Wilson’s actions that morning were utterly appalling and have left the victim with serious physical and mental scars. I am grateful to the member of the public who came to help the victim after hearing his cries for help, and to the attending officers who carried out vital first aid at the scene.  

“We will never tolerate people who inflict violence on anyone in our communities. I hope this sentence sends a warning that anyone who commits violent offences will be relentlessly pursued and put before the courts. 

“I hope this sentence provides the victim with some comfort that justice has been served, and I wish him the very best for his future.”