A DRUG addict, desperate to pay off a debt to a dealer, carried out a knifepoint robbery at a local fashion store, a court heard.

Despite pulling up his hood in a bid to conceal his identity, Robert William Elliott was still recognised by a woman he almost collided with on fleeing the premises in Murton, County Durham, with cash taken from the till.

Information was passed to police which led to his arrest at an address elsewhere in the village a short time after the raid on September 29.

Elliott, of Hill Crescent, Murton, made no comment to police when he was initially questioned and denied involvement.

But Durham Crown Court heard that in the light of forensic evidence which emerged, following the recovery of two “relevant” finger prints, Elliott admitted charges of robbery and possessing a bladed article in public, at a hearing earlier this month.

He was today (Monday March 30) jailed for three years and eight months, at Durham Crown Court.

The court heard he has previous offences, including convictions for robbery and possessing a knife in public.

Don MacFaul, prosecuting, said the most recent offence took place when 31-year-old Elliott entered PWA Fashions with hood tightly pulled over his face, brandishing a large knife, demanding money from the till, at about 1pm.

The female proprietor, stood back as he helped himself to £50 from the till, but as Elliott left the premises in Woods Terrace a passer-by recognised him as someone she had known for about eight years, despite his attempt to conceal his identity.

It helped lead to his swift arrest and the recovery of “a quantity of cash” and money bags.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said Elliott “became desperate” as he owed about £300 to a drug dealer who was making threats.

“Although this was not a sensible way to obtain the money, he didn’t know what else to do, and reverted to type.

“He’s particularly disgusted with himself in this instance and he is eager to ensure he doesn’t misuse drugs in future,” she said.

Jailing him, Judge Christopher Prince described it as, “a pre-planned, clearly very frightening offence for the lady involved.”