A Christmas Day robber got more than he bargained for when his victim attacked him with a metal shelf bracket - drawing blood from which he was identified as the culprit.
The victim was working alone in a Best One shop around 7.30pm on December 25 when Andrew Savage came in and went towards the till area. The worker noticed he had a six-inch knife in one hand and heard him say something which sounded threatening.
Neil Pallister, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "He reached for some Captain Morgan rum on the shelf and it appeared he was going to fill a sports bag he had with him with spirits. The man realised he was stealing from the store. He was alone in the shop and fearful for his own safety.
