Last Updated: January 8, 2025
Khalis Reynolds (Image: Gwent Police)
A Newport shopkeeper was left devastated after a thief stole a charity collection box intended for a terminally ill cancer patient during a robbery at Lifestyles Express Stores in Rogerstone.
Khalis Reynolds, 24, wrestled with store owner Gurpreet Mann before fleeing with approximately £60 in donated funds. The court heard that Reynolds had previously targeted charity boxes, including one containing more than £350.
“Mr Mann was very, very upset that the item was stolen,” prosecutor Paul Hewitt told Cardiff Crown Court. “He has to put up with the normal day chores of running a business with putting up with people swearing and stealing from his store.”
Reynolds’ barrister Harry Baker told the court: “He knows he’s let himself down and he’s let his family down. It was an opportunist robbery since he was leading a chaotic lifestyle at the time.”
Recorder Robin Rouch sentenced Reynolds to 13 months in prison, noting: “This was a mean act of yours.” A restraining order was also imposed, preventing Reynolds from contacting Mr Mann. ⚖️
