A CONVICTED robber who carried out a knife raid at a fish and chip shop at closing time is back behind bars.

Paul Durkin was jailed for five years and four months for the terrifying attempted robbery in Billingham, near Stockton.

The 29-year-old was caught on CCTV trying to empty a till at Crispy Cod on Windlestone Road on January 30 while carrying a large kitchen knife.

Staff had already cashed up for the night and there was no money in the drawer, Teesside Crown Court heard.

After fleeing empty-handed and being followed by two workers, Durkin ran back towards them and they were forced to lock the door, said prosecutor Jenny Haigh.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, heard of Durkin's violent past, but "just stepped back from regarding you as a dangerous offender" and did not impose an extended sentence for public protection.

The court heard how he was jailed for six years in 2009 for his part in a gang attack on the home of a pregnant woman and a separate assault on an innocent teenager.

Just two months after being freed from prison on licence, Durkin carried out a knifepoint robbery at The Fruit Basket in Billingham in July 2012.

Alex Bousfield, mitigating, said since the latest incident, his partner and three children want nothing more to do with Durkin.

"He finds it very difficult to explain what happened here," said Mr Bousfield. "He seemed to have got himself into a position where life was running smoothly.

"He seems to have lost all that now. Clearly, that's going to be very painful for him. He is devastated at the effect this has had, and expresses regret he has put people in fear."

Durkin, of Horden Road, Billingham, admitted attempted robbery, having a blade and affray.