SHOP assistants threatened at the point of what appeared to be a genuine handgun are to be asked if they want to meet the elderly criminal.

Staff members of Café Pronto and nearby Young’s Newsagents, in Newton Aycliffe, were left terrified after pensioner Kenneth Dodds demanded £100 while carrying the realistic-looking Colt-type revolver, at about 8.30am, on February 22.

He left both empty-handed and was arrested shortly afterwards waiting at a nearby bus stop.

Durham Crown Court heard that the ‘weapon’ was found to be a replica.

Dodds, 69, of Shield Walk, Newton Aycliffe, has admitted two counts of attempted robbery and one of possession of an imitation firearm.

Judge Christopher Prince asked for up-dated victim statements to be prepared for the sentencing hearing, with the offer of going through the restorative justice process, including meeting the defendant, should any of the four so wish.

Dodds was bailed to return for sentence on a date to be fixed.