Shop staff in shock after newsagent seriously injured in robbery

TRADERS have told of their horror after a neighbouring shopkeeper was left seriously hurt in hospital when her newsagent’s was robbed.

Staff at shops on Wellgate said they had been shocked to learn of the incident in which Judith Ducker, who runs Wellgate News with her brother Paul, suffered serious head injuries.

Ms Ducker (64) was said to be in a critical but stable condition this week — two weeks on from the raid at the paper shop.

Alan Ali, who works in the Darren’s Nans shop in Wellgate, described Ms Ducker as “a nice lady”, adding: “She always says hello and the morning and Paul comes in here quite often.

“I hope she is OK but it sounded like she was very bad in hospital.

“Everybody is hoping that she is all right.”

Another Wellgate shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, said he also knew the Duckers and described the incident as a “tragedy”.

He added that he was more concerned for his safety following the robbery.

A 36-year-old man is due in court next month on attempted murder and robbery charges in relation to the attack on Ms Ducker at Wellgate News.

Storm Blueitt, of Cambridge Crescent, East Dene, was remanded in custody by Rotherham magistrates last week and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on October 3.