THE dramatic moment a shopkeeper confronted a knife-wielding would-be robber has been captured on CCTV.

Shadam Azam, who owns News and Booze off-licence in New Kyo, Stanley, was by himself when the man came into the shop with a knife.

He said: "I was doing the papers for the next day when he came in. I thought it was a customer but they came in and put a knife to my neck."

Mr Azam defended the store by throwing cans of beer at the man, who ran away empty handed. 

Raymond Wilson, 33, of Welsh Terrace, Stanley, was later identified by Mr Azam.

The Northern Echo:

JAILED: Raymond Wilson, of Welsh Terrace, Stanley

He pleaded guilty to to attempted robbery and threatening a person with a blade in a public place and was sentenced to nine years in prison when he appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday, June 30. 


The incident happened at about 8.30pm on March 31. 


Mr Azam has owned News and Booze for around 10 years after taking it over from his uncle.


He added: "It's a corner shop and sometimes we have bother but never like this."


PC Luke Terry, from Consett CID, said: “The shopkeeper was quietly going about his business when he was confronted by Wilson brandishing a knife. 


“No-one should be put in such a situation and we are pleased that as a result of our investigation we have taken a dangerous man off the streets.”