A CUSTOMER who followed an armed robber fleeing a dales village cycle shop, was praised by a crown court judge yesterday.

Judge Denis Orde congratulated Michael Leatherland for his "public spirited" action in driving after the robber, who was armed with a pistol, as he escaped from Weardale Mountain Bikes in Frosterley, County Durham, on a stolen £595 trail bike.

Mr Leatherland told Durham Crown Court at one stage the robber approached the car and told him to wind down the window.

He refused, but seconds later the man pointed the pistol in his direction. Mr Leatherland told the court: "He turned and faced me and pointed the gun directly at me. After a short period he raised the gun above his head and fired it. I heard a loud report and saw a flash from the gun."

Armed police responded to an alarm call Mr Leatherland made from a nearby house and arrested 18-year-old Stuart Smith next to the River Wear at Wolsingham's Windy Nook picnic site.

Mr Leatherland later picked out Mr Smith in an identity parade.

The pistol, a realistic imitation, was recovered from an animal feed drum off a track between Frosterley and Wolsingham by police.

Mr Leatherland gave evidence on the second day of the trial of Mr Smith, who denies robbery and making use of a firearm with intent to resist or prevent his lawful arrest.

Judge Orde told Mr Leatherland: "You are to be congratulated for your courage and the public spirited way you gave chase on that day."

Mr Smith, now 19, of Marlborough, Seaham, told police two friends planned the robbery.

He told police he wanted nothing to do with it, so he got out of his friend's car and began walking along the river when he was arrested.

The trial resumes tomorrow