A Sainsbury’s shop assistant was threatened with a knife during a terrifying robbery carried out by a masked couple, who have now both been jailed for their roles in the violent raid.

Nicoleta Popescu, 19, of Shenstone Gardens, Romford, and Nicon Popescu, 31, of Stanmore Road, Leytonstone, were described in court as both partners in crime and in a relationship. They were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court after being found guilty of aggravated burglary and going equipped for theft.

The court heard that the pair planned the robbery at a Sainsbury’s store in Cringle Street, Battersea, on 1 September last year.

“The two of you, with another unknown man, entered the store. The third man blocked the door with a bike while brandishing either a large screwdriver or a crowbar to prevent people from entering or leaving,” Judge Martyn Barklem said during sentencing.

The court was told that the couple jumped over the kiosk counter, bypassing a queue of customers, while Nicon Popescu brandished a knife and threatened a shop assistant, forcing them to retreat. Nicoleta Popescu then loaded a duffle bag with thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes and tobacco before the trio fled the scene.

The couple remained at large for nearly two months until October 24, when they were stopped in Romford and found carrying theft tools, including a crowbar, bolt cutters, screwdrivers, gloves, and a torch.

During sentencing on March 5, the court heard that Nicon Popescu had originally come to the UK as an economic migrant and had worked in construction, but later became addicted to heroin, which led to the loss of his job, housing, and social ties.

Judge Barklem noted that Nicoleta Popescu had also fallen into substance abuse, using cannabis and crack cocaine, and had recently become homeless after estrangement from her family. The court heard she met her boyfriend while sleeping rough in a park in Romford.

“I’m told that you have limited recollection of the events due to being under the influence of drugs, but the CCTV footage shows someone who is agile and plainly aware of her surroundings, jumping over the counter and filling a duffle bag with tobacco,” the judge remarked.

Nicon Popescu was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison, while Nicoleta Popescu received a sentence of two years and seven months.

Judge Barklem described the raid as a “cold-blooded” burglary that had no doubt left staff and shoppers traumatised.