A KNIFE-WIELDING raider, who fled empty-handed after being tackled by a fish and chip shop owner, was yesterday jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Ken Bewes acted when a shocked female assistant burst into the back room of Grangetown Fisheries, in Sunderland, saying that a man with a knife was demanding money at the counter.

While the assistant rang 999, Mr Bewes ran out and took hold of the raider, 30-year-old Mark Hutchinson, by his jacket.

Durham Crown Court was told that during the struggle, Mr Bewes grabbed the hand which was carrying the vegetable knife, which had a 4in blade.

Hutchinson escaped, running along Windsor Terrace towards the city centre.

Roger Elsey, prosecuting, said Mr Bewes was left with a small cut to the thumb as a result of the incident last December.

Hutchinson was arrested on January 9 near his home, in Grey Road, Hendon, Sunderland.

He initially denied involvement in the incident, but subsequently pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and common assault.

Robin Patton, mitigating, said Hutchinson was at a low ebb after his wife left him for someone else in 1998.

Jailing him, Judge George Moorhouse told Hutchinson: "This was a serious matter. It's clear you were depressed at the time and suffering other difficulties.

"But the courts must ensure that shopkeepers, who are often young and female, are protected."