Incident Overview: A thug was found in a children’s playhouse armed with knives after assaulting a staff member at Go Outdoors. The primary offenders are Carl Parkinson and David Grey, who attacked the employee while Julie O'Brien attempted to steal luxury goods from the store.

Event Timeline:

• May 1, 2023: O'Brien, 55, entered Go Outdoors on Rimrose Road, Bootle, Liverpool, stealing three designer coats valued at nearly £700.
• When confronted by staff upon attempting to leave without paying, O'Brien called upon Parkinson and Grey for assistance.
• Parkinson and Grey intervened, allowing O'Brien to escape with the stolen items.
• During the struggle to recover the items, Grey assaulted an employee, while Parkinson threatened him with a knife.
• May 4, 2023: Police apprehended Parkinson after a homeowner, William Holland, spotted him in his garden via CCTV.

Discovery of Weapons: Officers found Parkinson hiding in a Wendy house with two Stanley knives. He has a history of violence, including a past incident where he bit a prison officer.

Criminal Profiles:

• Carl Parkinson: Homeless with a history of assault and theft, pleaded guilty to several charges including theft and assault; sentenced to 42 months in prison.
• David Grey: Has 33 convictions across 98 offences; received an 18-month community order for theft and assault.
• Julie O'Brien: Extensive criminal history with 120 offences, including numerous theft charges; also received an 18-month community order for theft.

Legal Proceedings: Parkinson's lawyer highlighted his intention to move away from criminal activities, stating it was possibly his longest stretch of non-offending since May 4. Grey's lawyer noted his struggles with substance abuse stemming from a traumatic childhood, emphasizing his efforts to improve. O'Brien's representative spoke of her addiction issues and the steps she is taking towards recovery.

Conclusion: All three defendants were dealt with in court, with varying sentences reflecting their actions and history. They are now engaged with rehabilitation efforts as part of their sentences.