A MAN who went on a crime spree just days after coming out of jail told police: "I just want to go to prison."

Paul Hatton tried to rob two corner shops and smash his way into a mobile phone store in Middlesbrough town centre.

The 36-year-old was armed with a screwdriver when he snatched money from the till at AJ's Store on Crescent Road.

Hours later, he had a sledgehammer when he struck at Gresham Food Store on Gresham Road, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He was jailed for five years after he admitted robbery, attempted robbery, attempted burglar and two charges of possessing an offensive weapon.

His lawyer, John Nixon, said despite Hatton having a "dreadful" record, such offences were "utterly out of character".

Mr Nixon said he had taken drugs before the spree and had little memory of the crimes, being in the police station or appearing before magistrates the following day.

Between 2005 and 2012, Hatton had stayed out of trouble, said his solicitor, had found work and brought up a family.

When he lost his job and his relationship broke down, it led to "utter decline" but he now has an insight into how terrifying the hold-ups would have been for staff.

One shopkeeper told of being "shocked and startled" by what happened while an assistant – robbed once before – revealed she may never return to work because she is so frightened.

"I have nightmares about it, and it brought back memories of the last one," she said in a statement. "I have only recently come back to work and I'm finding it very difficult."

Hatton, of Park Road North, Middlesbrough, was finally arrested after he smashed a window at the EE phone shop in Linthorpe Road.