TWO men have been put behind bars for a knife raid on a store in which a 67-year-old assistant had been terrified and feared she might die.

Judge Timothy Petts said at Caernarfon crown court that such shops which served local communities “deserve protection”.

Darren Pomeroy, aged 21, of Maes Refail, Henryd, Conwy, was given a three years and four months sentence and Matthew Ward, aged 22, of Chapel Street, Penmaenmawr, got two years and eight months.

North Wales Pioneer:

Scene of the robbery in Penrhyn Bay

They both pleaded guilty to robbery at the Premier Broadway store at Penrhyn Bay in May 3 in which nearly £500 from the tills and four bottles of Jack Daniels spirits had been stolen.

Richard Edwards, prosecuting, said the 67 year old woman assistant, Judith Hughes, had sought proof of identification from Pomeroy when he asked to buy Jack Daniels. He replied “I haven’t any” - then produced a kitchen knife with a 12 inch blade from beneath his clothing.

“He pointed the knife at her and shouted at her to give him the money from the tills and four bottles of Jack Daniels.”

Mr Edwards said the pair had been arrested within ten minutes half a mile away in possession of the haul. Pomeroy told police he had “a raging drugs habit” and wanted to go back to prison.

Ward maintained that he didn’t know Pomeroy had a knife.

Mr Edwards told the court that Pomeroy was still in licence after serving 28 months for a robbery in 2016 in which a wrench was used. Ward had last year been given an eight month sentence for burglary.

Mrs Hughes in an impact statement said she’d been terrified, thought she might die and wondered whether she would see a grandchild again.

Defending Pomeroy, barrister Matthew Dunford said he was extremely remorseful. He had a troubled childhood and had been diagnosed with ADHD. He’d been expelled from school, had difficulties reading and writing and at one stage drank two litres of vodka daily. Pomeroy suffered from depression and had mental issues.

For Ward, Simon Killeen said a doctor had described him as an extremely vulnerable young man with mental health issues.

Commented Judge Petts : “I have to bear in mind the effect you had on the shop assistance, who is unsure whether she wants to remain in work.”