A MAN has admitted carrying out a knifepoint robbery at a convenience store, in which he took three bottles of alcoholic drinks.

Christopher Lee Wright was today told to expect a long prison sentence when he is brought back to learn his fate later this month.

It followed his guilty pleas to robbery of the owner of Dawdon Store, in Queen Alexandra Road, Dawdon, Seaham, plus two charges of possession of bladed articles, a kitchen knife and a butter knife, all on Sunday October 4.

Wright was arrested after being spotted and detained by the proprietor later that evening.

Durham Crown Court was told the admissions were made at the first opportunity after Wright’s barrister, Ron Mitchell, had the chance to view closed circuit tv footage taken at the time of the incident.

Mr Mitchell asked for background reports to be prepared on his client by the Probation Service prior to sentence.

"Obviously it’s going to be a sentence of imprisonment, but I would still ask for a pre-sentence report.

"He’s a defendant who has not been in trouble since 2004. In the meantime, he is in custody."

Agreeing to the request for reports, Judge Christopher Prince said: "I take the view that because the cctv footage hadn’t been handed over previously, it’s the first reasonable opportunity he’s had and therefore you’ll receive full credit.

"You know you’re going to receive a prison sentence, it’s just a case of how long.

"But, I will ask for a pre-sentence to help determine how long the sentence will be, and, in the meantime, you will remain custody."

Wright, 26, of Embleton Street, Seaham, will be brought back for sentence in the week of November 23.