A father from Winscombe was sentenced to more than three years in prison for a knifepoint robbery of a Weston shop.

Weston Mercury: The pair were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.The pair were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court. (Image: Archant)

Bristol Crown Court heard how Thomas Harris of Woodborough Close, had entered the Premier convenience store on October 10 and asked for change for a £5 note.

When shop assistant, Aaron Bone, asked Harris whether he needed specific change he saw Mr Harris had a fishing knife in one hand and his other in the till.

The father-of-three then grabbed £400 from the till.

As he left the shop he threatened: “Don’t try it, don’t try it I will.”

He then fled the scene on a bicycle and was arrested by police on St Andrews Parade, on the Bournville estate, still in possession of the knife he used to commit the robbery.

Mr Bone said he was left angry and shaken by the incident but otherwise unharmed.

Harris pleaded guilty to both offences at Somerset Magistrates Court.

Harris, who had committed the offence two weeks after being released from prison on licence, appeared in court via video-link from Bristol prison.

Harris had 23 previous convictions dating back over a decade for offences including assault and robbery.

Speaking via his lawyer, Harris feared he had become institutionalised and his addiction to crack cocaine had ruined his adult life.

Bristol Crown Court was told on November 15 Harris knew he had to serve a prison sentence for his crimes and he was deeply regretful of his actions, and if given the right support would not re-offend.

Judge Euan Ambrose, in sentencing the 31-year-old, said: “You have the ability to hold down work but drugs have been a problem which lies behind your offending and it’s clear that your relapse into drugs that lead to your re offending on October 10.

“You have spoken about your time in custody, which gives you time to tackle your drug issues but the ultimate test comes at release.

“Ultimately it is for you to try to recover.”

Judge Ambrose said Harris’ offence was so serious that an immediate custodial sentence was necessary.

Harris was sentenced to three years and two months for robbery and six months for possession of a blade to serve concurrently.