THIS was the terrifying moment a man wandered into a Flintshire shop with a large blade and told staff he wanted money from the till.

Michael Griffiths, of Clwyd Street in Shotton, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Friday, having previously admitted offences of affray and possession of a knife.

The 43-year-old entered the Smaczek Supermarket in Connah's Quay on April 26 this year.

He brandished and 'waved' around a large kitchen knife in the "bizarre" incident, during which he was wearing a head torch - in daylight hours.

It was believed the defendant was under the influence of some substance.

After viewing the footage, which has now been released to the Leader by the Crown Prosecution Service, Judge Rhys Rowlands remarked: "To adopt the vernacular, he was plainly 'off his head' on something."

The Judge told Griffiths: "Week in week out, hospitals and the courts up and down the country are seeing people and are dealing with the consequences of knife crime.

"Those in possession of knives are always going to be at risk of immediate custodial sentences."

However the Judge found that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, given the steps Griffiths had already taken to address his drug use.

A sentence of 10 months in custody was handed down - but it was suspended for 18 months.

The defendant must undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity and comply with an additional two months of electronic curfew.

He must also pay a £187 victim surcharge.