A man whose robbery bid at a branch of McDonald’s had almost comical elements to it, nevertheless left staff fearful he may have been armed.

Louie Reed entered the fast-food chain’s branch on the Trunk Road, Middlesbrough, at 4.35pm on July 13 this year and threatened to shoot staff unless they opened the till.

Reed, whose hood was up, appeared to be holding something under his clothing.

A court room at Grimsby Crown Court, hearing Durham and Teesside cases, was told that a manager instructed staff present to retreat to a room at the rear of the premises, which they did.

A man's bid to rob a branch of McDonald's had almost 'comedic elements' to it, judge told him (Image: PA Image)

Elisha Marsay, prosecuting, said in frustration, Reed headed back to the store door, went outside and gr

See Full Page