A MAN pleaded guilty to an attempted knifepoint robbery, originally thought to be a carjacking, in court on Friday.

Stuart Johnston accepted that he had attempted to rob a man of his wallet at Turbary Retail Park on May 21 this year, an attack which left a couple terrorised in their car in Wickes car park.

The 35-year-old, of no fixed abode, also pleaded guilty to threatening the victim with a knife, at risk of causing him serious harm.

He spoke only to confirm his name and indicate his pleas.

Defending, at Bournemouth Crown Court, Charles Gabb called for proceedings to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report, taking into account both Johnston’s guilty plea and his previous convictions, which include robbery.

“He should receive maximum credit for his guilty plea.

“I don’t want there to be any doubt about the defence position and hope the court and the Crown will agree,” Mr Gabb said.

He added that despite the guilty plea Johnston disputed some of the things he was alleged to have said to the victim.

Johnston was arrested shortly after the incident – which took place at around 4.15pm on May 21 – following a manhunt in the Verney Close and Moorside Road area.

He was eventually subdued with a taser gun by police while trying to escape through residential gardens.

Originally it was reported that a man had tried to drag the couple out of their car at knifepoint, before making off in the direction of Turbary Park Road.

The couple were reported to be “shaken but not injured” after their ordeal.

Johnston was remanded in custody by Judge Roger Jarvis, to return to court for sentencing on Friday, September 13.