AN armed robber has been jailed for four years after he was tackled by a customer as he stole cash from the till.

Karl Hunt targeted a Premier store in Stockton in January this year and grabbed £180 out of the till as an accomplice kept a staff member occupied.

The 27-year-old was quickly arrested near the store on Dumbarton Avenue, Stockton, after the have-a-go-hero grappled him to the floor before letting go when Hunt pulled a kitchen knife on him.

Philip Morley, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that Hunt was on bail at the time of the offence for having a meat cleaver in his rucksack when he was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees after a drugs overdose.

The court also heard how he had previous convictions for assaulting police and criminal damage.

A second man who engaged the shop assistant in conversation is awaiting trial, said Mr Morley

Another customer heard Hunt say to the brave customer 'Get off or I’ll f***ing stab you'.

Robert Mochrie, in mitigation, said that Hunt had been abusing drugs to cope with problems, adding: "It seems that he was has worked constructively towards his release, judging by the certificates he has been awarded while in prison.

“He accepts that he is going to receive a substantial sentence today.”

The Northern Echo: Karl HuntKarl Hunt

Judge Stephen Ashurst praised the bravery of the customer and sentenced Hunt to four years in custody.

Hunt who pleaded guilty to robbing the store on January 23 this year was also given a five-year restraining order banning him from the store.

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