Jail term for attempt to rob cash from store

TWO FEMALE STAFF AT SHOP TACKLED HEROIN USER

- CARL EVE

A MAN desperate for heroin who had been unable to secure a substitute prescription after being released from prison tried to rob a convenience store in Plymouth but was beaten back by two female shopworkers, a court has heard.

Talon Snelson, aged 34, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court via video link with HMP Exeter - after refusing to use prison transport - to hear his fate, after admitting attempting to rob Premier Embankment Stores in Embankment Road, Prince Rock, on June 12 this year.

Prosecutor Nick Lewin explained that Snelson, of no fixed abode, who had been released from prison just a few days beforehand for another offence, had gone into the shop, which sits at the junction of Wentworth Place, at around 4pm, initially saying he was going to buy chocolate.

However, he made out he had no money and left the store, only to return a short while later wearing a hoody, despite the hot weather. He approached the counter and demanded cash. The worker behind the counter ignored him and slammed the register shut as he tried to grab the money while shouting "give me the f***ing money".