A Moray man who brandished a knife and attempted to rob his local paper shop in Elgin was yesterday jailed for almost three years.
Shaun Willetts, 30, of no fixed abode, burst into McKenzies newsagent early in the morning of Thursday August 16 and threatened both co-owner Pamela McKenzie and a young part time member of staff with a blade.
He was wearing a scarf around his face and tried to make them open the till but was denied by Mrs McKenzie, who bravely faced him down and pressed the panic button.
Following a brief argument, during which the duo refused to hand over any money, Willetts turned and fled, empty-handed.
He was chased from the shop by Mrs McKenzie who, in a few choice words, told him that he had indeed better run.
Depute Fiscal Kevin Corrans told Elgin Sheriff Court that Willetts had been spotted loitering outside the shop by various concerned members of the public, one of whom called the police.
He said: “The accused had a brief exchange with Mrs McKenzie outside the shop before the incident, when she stepped outside to talk to the paper delivery man.
“Willetts aroused suspicions by saying ‘cold today isn’t it’ which Mrs McKenzie thought was strange as it was not cold but he was wearing a scarf.”
Despite the token efforts taken to conceal his identity, Willetts voice was recognised by Mrs McKenzie, while witnesses saw him run into a house nearby.
Police officers arrested him there a short time later.
Defence solicitor Ian Houston described the whole incident as “crass stupidity” on the part of his client.
He said: “It was absolutely idiotic and impulsive on his part and certainly caused the young employee considerable upset.
“He had no intention of causing anyone harm as even after he saw her press the alarm button and flatly refuse him he did nothing but run away.”
Willetts plead guilty to attempted robbery.
Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov handed down a 34 month custodial sentence and told Willetts as she revealed he had committed previous violent crimes.
She said: “You went in there armed with a huge knife.
“The owner refused to be intimidated although if she had known about your propensity for violence she might not have been so brave.”
Victim Pamela McKenzie said that Willetts deserved to be jailed but said “he should have been given a longer prison sentence”.