A JUDGE has praised the "remarkably proportionate" response of staff to a knife-wielding man who demanded cigarettes.

Jamie Roberts, of Bryn yr Onnen in Southsea, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Wednesday morning.

The 29-year-old had previously made admissions to offences of attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article, which happened on September 26 in Wrexham.

David Mainstone, prosecuting, told the court that in the early hours of the morning, Roberts entered the Spar Store in Rhosddu Road.

He went in and out of the store four times in around ten minutes, at first attempting to buy alcohol.

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But he was told he couldn't be served the alcohol as he was there outside of licencing hours.

On his second and third time entering the shop he tried to buy cigarettes, but his card was declined.

Finally, he produced a knife with an eight-inch stainless steel blade.

The cashier on duty, Phil Jones, pressed a panic button which led to another colleague coming over.

Roberts was told he couldn't have the cigarettes unless he could pay, to which he replied: "I don't have a choice - I'm being forced to do this."

The victims told him that "we all make choices in life," but Jones answered: "Not everyone's life is that fair."

He left shortly afterwards without the cigarettes, and thankfully without further incident.

Police found him ten minutes later nearby, and he admitted to having discarded the knife.

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It was found in the grounds of St James' Church near the Spar.

Duncan Bould, defending, told the court his client "clearly has significant psychiatric difficulties," including anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder and substance use disorder - and whilst as yet undiagnosed, is "likely on the autism spectrum."

The defendant has previously used alcohol and drugs to "self-medicate" for his mental state, and "seems to have regarded this behaviour as almost a substitute for self harm," Mr Bould said.

He continued: "He recognises how serious these matters are but his contention is this was never about alcohol or cigarettes - and he never intended to use the weapon he took into the shop.

"It's an unusual case and it passes the custody threshold.

"This is a person who would benefit in a far more rehabilitative way if he was suitable for a hospital order and treatment to stabilise him."

But Mr Bould said Roberts "seems to fall between the position where he can be cared for in the community and requiring a more intrusive hospital order kind of disposal."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "Small stores are usually managed by one member of staff and are easy targets.

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"They provide a valuable service to the community.

"In the early hours of the morning, out of control of your senses as you'd consumed alcohol and drugs, you brandished a knife with an eight inch blade and demanded cigarettes."

The Judge said it had been thanks to the "remarkably proportionate" response from the staff that the harm caused hadn't been more serious.

He explained: "To his eternal credit, your victim negotiated your exit without any loss or injury to anyone.

"You've not been in custody before, but anyone who commits a robbery brandishing a knife must always receive a custodial sentence."

Roberts was jailed for 21 months.