AN armed robber who held a terrified shop assistant at knifepoint during a raid at a Bournemouth off-licence has been jailed for 32 months.

David Clark, 28, of no fixed abode, struck at East Howe Food and Wine on February 27, just minutes after attempting to rob a cashier at the Shell service station on Kinson Road.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Jennie Rickman said Clark had threatened the service station assistant, telling her: “Hand over the money or you will die.”

But, despite seeing the kitchen knife, she refused to hand over her takings and Clark, who was captured on camera, fled empty-handed. Mrs Rickman said Clark, who admitted attempted robbery and robbery charges, had held the knife against his second victim’s throat in East Howe Food and Wine and demanded that he opened the till. She added: “He could feel the point of the knife and was very scared.”

Clark made his escape with between £100 and £200 pounds as well as several cans of beer.

He was arrested on March 11 after phoning the police to admit his crimes.

In his defence, the court heard that Clark’s remorse had been “exceptional” and he had co-operated fully with investigators.

Sentencing Clark, Judge Samuel Wiggs told him: “Although you had great difficulties in your own life, what you did on that day was extremely frightening for the people on the receiving end of it.

“I accept your remorse and apologies for what you did but this remains a very serious matter indeed.”

Speaking after the case, East Howe Food and Wine manager Futhan Pathmaswelan said he was pleased with the sentence delivered by the court.

He added: “I’m very happy, the shop assistant who was here when the robbery took place was back to work the next day.”