Man jailed after failed robbery attempt

A 55-year-old man who pleaded with a judge to be jailed after a failed attempt to rob a Telford shop has been granted his wish.

David Fisher, of no fixed abode, told staff at M&G Household Supplies in Madeley he had a weapon and wanted to rob the shop on December 21 last year.

Yesterday at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Fisher was jailed for 12 months.

Mr Mark Linkins, prosecuting, said Fisher fled the store empty handed.

He said Fisher, who previously admitted a charge of attempted robbery, entered the shop just after 9.15am and told staff he had a weapon and wanted money.

He said when staff explained the till was empty because it was so early in the day, Fisher repeated his demand, causing an employee to hit the panic button which alerted the shop owner who came in and asked Fisher to leave.

Mr Linkins said Fisher returned 15 minutes later for another go.

The court heard Fisher handed himself in at Madeley Police Station.

In interview Fisher told police he wanted money to pay his rent for a flat.