Telford burglar's theft bid a cry for help

Richard Davies, of St Lawrence Close, Wellington, walked into the One Stop store in Dawley Road, Arleston, and attempted to take from the till on May 19.

Shrewsbury Crown Court was told that Davies, 38, entered the store with a scarf covering his face. He was captured on CCTV with a bottle in his hand, behaving in a threatening manner.

Kevin Jones, prosecuting, said: "He started swearing at the staff and told them to open the till. The staff then went to the back to call the police. Meanwhile Davies attempted to open the till but could not."

Davies was in the shop for about two minutes before being arrested outside. On a search a two-inch lock knife was found on him, which he admitted to possessing.

Mr Jones said: "Both shopkeepers were interviewed and said they knew the defendant and what he was like. They said they were not affected by the incident."

Mr Dean Easthope, for Davies, said he committed the offence as a plea for help to stop his heroin addiction.

He said: "This is a bizarre case as it is a cry for help. He has now stopped drinking and is getting regular help for his addiction. He has obtained full-time employment and been in a relationship for a number of years."

Davies was given a two-month prison term, suspended for 12 months and 14 days for possession of a bladed article to run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay £300 costs.