A YOUNG man who robbed a shop at knife-point has had his sentence reduced after three top judges ruled the offence was not violent.

Ben Bowmer, 22, of Osric Place, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was convicted of robbery at Teesside Crown Court on July 6. He was sentenced to five years jail, and his licence period was extended by five years - the maximum period permissible.

The extension, given for violent offences, meant Bowmer would have remained under close supervision for five years after his release.

But earlier this week London's Criminal Appeal Court quashed the extension, saying the original judge had been wrong in concluding the robbery was a violent offence.

Appeal Judge Michael Tilling, sitting with Lord Justice Latham and Mr Justice Pitchford, said that on the evening of February 13, Bowmer went into a general store and asked the assistant for ten cigarettes.

He then produced a small kitchen knife and demanded money.

He was given £300 and fled the scene followed by the shop owner, who did not catch him.

When interviewed by police, Bowmer admitted the theft but said he was not planning to hurt anyone and would not have used the knife.

Judge Tilling found there was an insufficient basis for the original judge to have concluded that the robbery was a violent offence.

Quashing the extension, Judge Tilling said: "In circumstances where Bowman might have been expected to show he intended to use the knife, he did not.

"When pursued he did not turn and confront his pursuer.