A man who carried out a robbery of a Chinese takeaway with in imitation handgun was in the grip of a mental health crisis at the time.

Joseph Hollywood demanded cash from the woman behind the counter of the Flower Drum takeaway before fleeing the scene with £20 from the till.

Teesside Crown Court heard how CCTV of the robbery showed the 27-year-old wearing a blue hooded top pulled up around his face in an attempt to disguise his identity when he targeted the takeaway at around 10.20pm on July 24.

Jenny Haigh, prosecuting, said police spotted him a few hours later in the early hours of the morning as he walked along Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough, and when they arrested him, they discovered the imitation weapon stuffed down his shorts.

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She added: “The defendant had entered the shop with a gun and demanded money, when she asked why he showed her the gun, and the shop worker gave him £20 and he left.”

In a victim impact statement, the takeaway worker said the incident had left her scared to return to work as there had been a number of similar incidents in the area.

Hollywood was released on bail but was arrested again on September 4 when his mother called the police as she was concerned for his welfare when he left his home armed with a knife.

Miss Haigh said when armed police arrested him the defendant fully complied with their demands and handed over the weapon before lying on the ground.

Hollywood, of Longhirst, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of an imitation handgun and possession of a knife.

The Northern Echo: Joseph HollywoodJoseph Hollywood (Image: Cleveland Police)

Robert Mochrie, mitigating, said the offences were a misguided ‘cry for help’ from his client while his mental health was in a state of decline.

He added that Hollywood at been sectioned before his sentencing hearing due to concerns about his personal wellbeing.

Judge Howard Crowson accepted that the defendant’s actions were influenced by his mental health but said the ordeal for the takeaway worker must have been terrifying.

He said: “It is very clear to me that over the years you have suffered from mental health issues, sometimes they are well managed and sometimes they overwhelm you, sometimes it leads you to get into trouble.”

Hollywood was jailed for two years and six months.

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