Robber who threatened to shoot shop worker in Aylsham jailed for eight years

The Tesco store in Aylsham. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: � ARCHANT NORFOLK 2008)

Barrie Massey, 36, went to Tesco's lottery and cigarette kiosk wearing a hood as a disguise, and told the 18-year-old assistant that he wanted as much money as possible from the till, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said Massey threatened the shop worker by saying: 'I have a gun. I will shoot you.'

He said the frightened assistant pressed a panic alarm and Massey grabbed the till but, as he was leaving the store, he was tackled by a male Tesco worker helped by members of the public, who managed to hold him until police arrived.

Mr Ivory said in fact there was no evidence that Massey had any gun and when arrested he said he wanted to go back to prison as he felt he was not getting the help he needed for a medical condition.

Mr Ivory said the robbery, which happened at about 9.20pm on July 8 this year, had a profound effect on the female victim and she had to have time off work and felt sick about what happened.

Massey, of Mill Road, Aylsham, pleaded guilty to robbery.

Judge Anthony Bate imposed an extended sentence of four years custody and four years extended licence and told Massey that in his view he posed a significant risk of harm to the public.

He said Massey had made 'chilling' threats to the young shopworker and said: 'You had in fact no weapon at all but she was not to know that.'

Melanie Benn, for Massey, said he was deeply ashamed of his behaviour and had written letters of apology, which he would like passed on the victim.

She said that he could not remember much about the incident as he had taken non-prescribed drugs on top of other medication and at the time was suffering from anxiety and depression.