A knife-wielding robber who demanded a terrified shop worker hand over a till before making off with cigarettes and alcohol has been jailed.

Michael Alan Dent targeted the Lifestyle Express store in Shildon on October 15.

The 45-year-old demanded the till from the employee but when he failed to get it, made off with alcohol and cigarettes instead.

No one was injured in the robbery after the brave shopworker disarmed Dent with a large piece of cardboard, who then fled the shop.

After arrest Dent, of Chilton, refused to answer questions at interview but was charged with robbery and remanded into custody.

He was found guilty following a trial and sentenced to four-and-a-half years’ in jail when he appeared before Durham Crown Court last month. He was also ordered to pay costs.

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