AN elderly church helper was praised for his “great fortitude” in refusing to submit to a heroin addict who threatened to stab him with scissors.

Would-be robber Stuart Eric Marley was jailed for a total of eight years after tried to waylay the 78-yearold on his way to his local church where he is a voluntary assistant.

The 28-year-old approached him outside St Aidan’s Church, in Chilton, County Durham, where he was going to help put up cupboards.

Durham Crown Court heard he asked for money, but the pensioner said he had none, so the defendant grabbed his hand and demanded his car keys.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said the elderly man told Marley: “There’s no way you’re getting these keys.”

Marley then pulled out scissors with 5in blades and held them to the man’s neck, making thrusting motions, still demanding the keys.

Mr Dodds said the victim later told police he was “both scared and angry”.

But he added: “I wasn’t going to give in, so I told him he could stab me all over, because I wasn’t going to give him the keys.”

Marley fled, but his victim tried to give chase and was able to tell police which bus his assailant had boarded, as well as his description.

Marley, 28, of Bouch Street, Shildon, admitted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon.

The court heard he has a number of previous offences relating to possession of knives and other weapons in public.

He was also before the court for sentence for lowlevel drug dealing in the Spennymoor area.

The court heard he acted as a go-between, helping to supply two under-cover police test purchase officers with small heroin deals, over a period from last November to the middle of January.

He admitted eight charges of being concerned in the supply of heroin.

Chris Baker, mitigating, said Marley expressed remorse, adding: “His memory of the incident is affected by the drugs.”

Passing sentence, Judge Christopher Prince said: “One can only feel humbled at the courage of some members of the public.

“In this case, the great fortitude shown by this retired gentleman almost beggars belief.”

He told Marley: “Perhaps, not surprisingly, having met your match, you then turned and ran away.”

Judge Prince asked for a commendation to be sent to the church volunteer to praise him for his actions.